Over 1,700 Standoffs and Spacers in stock!

Are you looking for Standoffs or Spacers? Look no further than MF Supply!

MF Supply is a trusted supplier of Standoffs and Spacers for Manufacturers and Industry. We now offer a wide selection of over 1,700 Standoffs and Spacers in stock & available for purchase on our website. You’ll find in stock Inch & Metric, Round & Hex, and in a variety of sizes and materials—such as Aluminum, Brass, Nylon, Steel and Stainless Steel. We offer Brand Names and/or Equivalents to National Catalog and OEM brands including: Amatom, Captive, HH Smith, Grainer, Keystone, Lyn-tron, McMaster-Carr, MSC, Microplastics, RAF, Unicorp.

Common Uses of Standoffs and Spacers at MF Supply

Below is a brief explanation of what Standoffs and Spacers are used for.

  • Spacers: Spacers are commonly used in equipment or machines that need to maintain a specific distance between components, to prevent over-tightening or to distribute loads.
  • Standoffs: Standoffs, like spacers, are also used to create a gap or distance between two surfaces, but are also used to mount or fasten electronic components such as circuit boards.

In-Stock Standoffs and Spacers at MF Supply

At MF Supply’s website, we currently offer over 1,700 Standoffs and Spacers in round or hexagon shapes. They also come in many sizes, and materials, which include Aluminum, Brass with Nickel plated finish, Nylon, Steel and Stainless Steel. Below is a list of the Standoffs and Spacers currently available on our website.

Hexagon Spacers

Round Spacers

Hexagon Female Threaded Standoffs

Hexagon Male-Female Threaded Standoffs

Metric Hexagon Male-Female Threaded Standoffs

Round Female Threaded Standoffs

Round Male-Female Threaded Standoffs

Self-Clinching Standoffs

Make ordering the Standoffs and Spacers you require a breeze by visiting our website today, or reach out to us to request a quote.

What the heck are Standoffs and Spacers anyway?

Would you like to learn more about Standoffs & Spacers? Don’t sweat it! Read our recent blog post “Standoffs and Spacers!? What the heck are those?“, from our “What the Heck is that” series to learn more about this Category of Electronic Hardware.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

If the OEM brand, size, material or plating you need is not listed above or on our website, or you need a Mil-Spec, DFARs or domestically manufactured part, Request a Quote today, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!


Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.


MF Supply Work With Us

Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply

  • Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online.  We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
  • Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers. 
  • Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
  • Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
  • One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
  • WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government.  We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies.  For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services.  Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply. 


Standoffs and Spacers!? What the heck are those?

What the heck are Standoffs and Spacers?

Welcome back to our “What the heck is that?” series, refreshed for 2023. We close out March by (re) introducing you to Standoffs and Spacers. According to the dictionary, a Standoff is defined as “a stalemate or a deadlock between two equally matched opponents”. In the world of manufacturing and assemblies, Standoffs, and their cousin the Spacer, have an altogether different meaning which we will uncover today.

What are Standoffs and Spacers?

Often classified as Electronic Hardware, or Panel Hardware, Standoffs are hex or round shaped fasteners which have a body and two threaded ends. The threaded ends can either be an internally threaded opening (female) or an externally threaded post (male). They are commonly used to mechanically support and electrically connect and position components within assemblies.

Spacers are similar to Standoffs, however, Standoffs are threaded on both ends, and Spacers are unthreaded with an inside clearance hole.

Who uses Standoffs and Spacers?

Look inside an assembled circuit board, and you may be greeted by a variety of Standoffs and Spacers. In the world of Electronic Hardware, they are the standard for connecting and mounting circuit boards, panels, doors, and gears. Both are commonly used to properly position parts within an assembly, to reduce component contact, to elevate stacked sections, to ensure enough room for heat to dissipate, and to separate or create space between two objects. These guys are workhorses!

What do I need to consider when selecting Standoffs and Spacers?

Standoffs and Spacers are available in a variety of styles based on four main attributes: 1) shape 2) outer diameter of the body 3) body length and 4) thread size or clearance hole. Standoffs have a fifth attribute, thread type (we like to call it gender), as defined below.

Standoffs and Spacers can be hex, round or square shaped. The most common diameter of the body is ¼, but many other sizes are available. Metric diameter standards are M4.5 and M6, though larger sizes are available. Standard body lengths range from ¼ x 2″. Clearance holes and thread generally range from #2 through ¼. Special lengths and sizes are available – just ask!

Standoffs come in three main styles (genders):

  • Female-female: can be fully threaded or partially threaded on each end.
  • Male-female: have internal female threads on one end and male threads on the other. Threads are generally the same size.
  • Male-male: have external threads on both ends which may be of differing thread size.

What Materials are available?

Common materials include aluminum, brass, plastic/nylon, steel, and stainless steel. Common platings include clear anodized, nickel, gold iridite and zinc plated. There are over 20 common plating’s available! Here are some of the most common materials:

  • Aluminum: It is popular because of its ratio of weight to strength. It is light, non-magnetic, performs well in severe temperatures, and has insulating properties.
  • Brass: It is used in making high-quality standoffs. It is conductive, resists corrosion, and is non-magnetic. It is costlier and heavier than aluminum and is usually plated zinc or nickel. It can be soldered for grounding.
  • 18-8 Stainless Steel: It is strong, conductive, and nonmagnetic. This stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Zinc plated Steel: Steel is used for its strength, but it is heavier than aluminum and does not resist corrosion like Stainless steel, aluminum or brass. It is usually zinc plated for added corrosion resistance.
  • Nylon 6/6: It is superlight, nonconductive, and resistant to chemicals and solvents. Nylon absorbs moisture, which can affect dimensions and other properties.

Lesson Learned, and considerations when selecting and using Standoffs and Spacers

  • Standoffs are sometimes referred to by their brand names, which can often be substituted by generic equivalents. Popular brands include: Amatom, Concord, Globe, H.H. Smith, Lyn-tron, Microplastics, Keystone, Pem, RAF, Unicorp.
  • To measure a Standoff or Spacer, measure the outside diameter of the body, the length of the body and the thread size. Determine if the standoff is a female-female, male-female or male-male. A typical Standoff might measure as follows: 1/4 hex X 1/2 long X 8-32 thread male-female aluminum standoff. This exact standoff is made and branded by at least 10 manufacturers. Note: the length of the male threaded post is standard and is not called out.
  • Standoffs and Spacers sometimes show up under their Mil-spec numbers, which can be crossed to commercial equivalents. Some common Mil-spec series include NAS42, NAS43, NAS61, NAS1056, NAS1057, NAS1829, NAS1830, NAS1831.

To see if using alternative brands or functional equivalents will work for your business, refer to our handy guide.

Standoffs and Spacers at MF Supply

Here at MF Supply, we supply some of the most common and unusual Standoffs and Spacers, including:

  • The full range of commercial and mil-spec parts in both inch and metric.
  • Specials sizes, materials and platings. Just try to stump us!
  • We are authorized distributors for Amatom, Concord, Lyn-tron, Microplastics and RAF and offer the full range of brand names and equivalents.

Visit our MF Supply website for more details or to check our Spacers and Standoffs currently in stock.

And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Our MF Supply team of sourcing experts can help you answer any questions or concerns you might have about our products. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!


Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.


MF Supply Work With Us

Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply

  • Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online.  We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
  • Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers. 
  • Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
  • Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
  • One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
  • WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government.  We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies.  For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services.  Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply. 


Buyer’s Guide to Set Screws Updated for 2023

8 Things to Know When Buying Set Screws

Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes-complex category of fasteners by detailing the most critical things you must know when buying Set Screws.

1. What is a Set Screw?

A Set Screw is a fully threaded headless screw that is traditionally classified within the socket family of products. It is generally used to fasten an object within or against another object by exerting pressure rather than holding parts together with threads. It is normally used without a nut.

2. Who uses Set Screws?

Set Screws are used in many industrial and mechanical devices, particularly in assemblies with rotating items such as pulleys or wheels, where a component is locked onto a shaft. Designed to fasten one object inside another, Set Screws pass right through a threaded hole in the outer object and are tightened against the inner object. Pretty cool, right?

3. What materials and platings are available?

The most common Set Screw material options are alloy steel and stainless steel. Brass is a less popular and less available option.

The most commonly available material is hardened alloy steel with a thermal black oxide finish, as per ASME B18.3 and a Rockwell hardness of C45-53.

Stainless steel grades 18-8/303 and Metric A2 are also commonly available. Other exotic materials such as brass, 316 or A4 stainless steel, 4140 steel, 416, A286 or special finishes including zinc plating may be available for special order with a lead time.

Socket Set Screws come standard with 3A thread fit. Some sizes and materials may be available with nylon patches or pellets.

Set screws with a slotted drive are made with a 2A thread fit.

4. What sizes are available?

In our experience, Set Screws are most commonly available in sizes 2-56 through 1″ diameter in imperial and M2-M24 in metric diameters with a hex socket drive on one end and a cup point on the other.

5. What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?

The easiest way to order is by part number. The most popular manufacturers of Set Screws are Holo-Krome, Blue Devil and Misumi, along with the national catalog houses like McMaster-Carr, Grainger and MSC Industrial.

If you don’t have a part number, you’ll need to provide the diameter and thread, the body length, drive and tip type, material and plating.

6. Other than size, material and plating, what other options are available?

The other main considerations when selecting Set Screws are the drive and the point.  We offer a comprehensive look at your options below.

Drives: The most common and readily available drive style is a hexagonal socket drive (think Allen wrench), however, Set Screws may also be available in slotted, six-lobe (Torx) and spline drives for certain sizes.

Points: This is where it gets interesting. The point of the Set Screw determines its function. Seven (yes, seven!) main points are available, each serving a slightly different purpose.

  • Cup The most common style, which is slightly cupped to meet the surface of the inner object. Used for permanent or semi-permanent installations, the Cup point provides a high level of security and control. (Metric DIN 916)
  • Knurled Cup – A variation of the Cup point, this style has knurls for a stronger grip.
  • Cone A very sharp point wedges into the inner object to hold it permanently in place. With the highest holding power of all Set Screw styles, the Cone point is used for permanent settings. Note: Cone point Set Screws may cause damage to the inner object which might not be desirable in some applications. (DIN 914)
  • Flat Designed for flexibility when frequently resetting or relocating objects on hard steel shafts where minimal damage to the shaft is desired. Affordable and easy to install, Flat point Set Screws can be moved without damaging the inner object. (DIN 913)
  • Oval The Oval point is the inverse of the Cup point. The small rounded contact surface allows slight adjustments without loosening the screw and causes minimal surface damage to the inner object. The Oval point Set Screw is the most practical type for situations where the inner and outer objects require regular adjustments.
  • Half-Dog Sometimes offered as a Full-Dog point, its protruding tip locks within a mating hole or slot in the shaft, for permanent setting. Half-dog/Dog points are sometimes used instead of a dowel pin. (DIN 915)
  • Nylon tip – Resembling a Half-Dog point, the soft nylon tip is used to grip curved or textured surfaces.

7. What other factors should I consider?

We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Does your project specify Inch (Imported or Domestic), Metric, OEM brand or Mil-Spec? Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:

We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:

Do you need domestic parts (i.e. Holo-Krome) or will imported screws work?

Do you require parts that conform to a specific mil-spec number, such as AN565, NAS1081, MS18063, MS18064, MS18065, MS18066, MS18067, MS18068, MS21342, MS51017, MS51021, MS51022, MS51023, MS51025, MS51026, MS51029, MS51031, MS51033,MS51038, MS51040, MS51045, MS51047, MS51053, MS51476, MS51477, MS51963, MS51964, MS51965, MS51966, MS51973,MS51974, MS51976, MS51977, MS51981, MS51982 with their exacting tolerances and traceability, or will standard commercial parts work?

Does your bill of materials call out a specific manufacturer, such as Holo-Krome or Blue Devil?

Make sure you have the correct installation hardware (Allen wrench or hex key) to go along with your Set Screws.

8. What level of certification is required?

Generally, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC is sufficient for your customer. Full certification with material certs, DFARS certification and test reports are often available for USA-made and mil-spec parts for a fee.

Here at MF Supply, we offer:

  • The full range of commercial and Mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant.
  • Brand names (Holo-Krome, Blue Devil) and generic equivalents.
  • Custom-made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.

For more detailed information about Set Screws, to request a line card, or to send an RFQ, visit our website. And if you don’t see what you need listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!


Book a one-on-one consultation with our President, Robin, to discuss how MF Supply can help you solve your Industrial Sourcing, Fastener, and Safety concerns.


MF Supply Work With Us

Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply

  • Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online.  We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
  • Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers. 
  • Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
  • Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
  • One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
  • WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified supply chain partner to business, industry and government.  We are sourcing experts and stocking distributors of Hardware, Precision & Mil-Spec Fasteners and Safety supplies.  For more than 50 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services.  Our Cage Code is 58QG4 and our registered name is RL Supply Inc dba MF Supply. 


Buyer’s Guide to Set Screws

8 Things to Know When Buying Set Screws

Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes-complex category of fasteners by detailing the most critical things you must know when buying Set Screws.

1. What is a Set Screw?

A Set Screw is a fully threaded headless screw that is traditionally classified within the socket family of products. It is generally used to fasten an object within or against another object by exerting pressure rather than holding parts together with threads. It is normally used without a nut.

2. Who uses Set Screws?

Set Screws are used in many industrial and mechanical devices, particularly in assemblies with rotating items such as pulleys or wheels, where a component is locked onto a shaft. Designed to fasten one object inside another, Set Screws pass right through a threaded hole in the outer object and are tightened against the inner object. Pretty cool, right?

3. What materials and platings are available?

The most common Set Screw material options are alloy steel and stainless steel. Brass is a less popular and less available option.

The most commonly available material is hardened alloy steel with a thermal black oxide finish, as per ASME B18.3 and a Rockwell hardness of C45-53.

Stainless steel grades 18-8/303 and Metric A2 are also commonly available. Other exotic materials such as brass, 316 or A4 stainless steel, 4140 steel, 416, A286 or special finishes including zinc plating may be available for special order with a lead time.

Socket Set Screws come standard with 3A thread fit. Some sizes and materials may be available with nylon patches or pellets.

Set screws with a slotted drive are made with a 2A thread fit.

4. What sizes are available?

In our experience, Set Screws are most commonly available in sizes 2-56 through 1″ diameter in imperial and M2-M24 in metric diameters with a hex socket drive on one end and a cup point on the other.

5. What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?

The easiest way to order is by part number. The most popular manufacturers of Set Screws are Holo-Krome, Blue Devil and Misumi, along with the national catalog houses like McMaster-Carr, Grainger and MSC Industrial.

If you don’t have a part number, you’ll need to provide the diameter and thread, the body length, drive and tip type, material and plating.

6. Other than size, material and plating, what other options are available?

The other main considerations when selecting Set Screws are the drive and the point.  We offer a comprehensive look at your options below.

Drives: The most common and readily available drive style is a hexagonal socket drive (think Allen wrench), however, Set Screws may also be available in slotted, six-lobe (Torx) and spline drives for certain sizes.

Points: This is where it gets interesting. The point of the Set Screw determines its function. Seven (yes, seven!) main points are available, each serving a slightly different purpose.

  • Cup The most common style, which is slightly cupped to meet the surface of the inner object. Used for permanent or semi-permanent installations, the Cup point provides a high level of security and control. (Metric DIN 916)
  • Knurled Cup – A variation of the Cup point, this style has knurls for a stronger grip.
  • Cone A very sharp point wedges into the inner object to hold it permanently in place. With the highest holding power of all Set Screw styles, the Cone point is used for permanent settings. Note: Cone point Set Screws may cause damage to the inner object which might not be desirable in some applications. (DIN 914)
  • Flat Designed for flexibility when frequently resetting or relocating objects on hard steel shafts where minimal damage to the shaft is desired. Affordable and easy to install, Flat point Set Screws can be moved without damaging the inner object. (DIN 913)
  • Oval The Oval point is the inverse of the Cup point. The small rounded contact surface allows slight adjustments without loosening the screw and causes minimal surface damage to the inner object. The Oval point Set Screw is the most practical type for situations where the inner and outer objects require regular adjustments.
  • Half-Dog Sometimes offered as a Full-Dog point, its protruding tip locks within a mating hole or slot in the shaft, for permanent setting. Half-dog/Dog points are sometimes used instead of a dowel pin. (DIN 915)
  • Nylon tip – Resembling a Half-Dog point, the soft nylon tip is used to grip curved or textured surfaces.

7. What other factors should I consider?

We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Does your project specify Inch (Imported or Domestic), Metric, OEM brand or Mil-Spec? Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:

We’ve covered the most common variables including head style, diameter and thread, length, material and plating or finish. Here are a few of the other considerations you might be faced with based on the project and the bill of materials:

Do you need domestic parts (i.e. Holo-Krome) or will imported screws work?

Do you require parts that conform to a specific mil-spec number, such as AN565, NAS1081, MS18063, MS18064, MS18065, MS18066, MS18067, MS18068, MS21342, MS51017, MS51021, MS51022, MS51023, MS51025, MS51026, MS51029, MS51031, MS51033,MS51038, MS51040, MS51045, MS51047, MS51053, MS51476, MS51477, MS51963, MS51964, MS51965, MS51966, MS51973,MS51974, MS51976, MS51977, MS51981, MS51982 with their exacting tolerances and traceability, or will standard commercial parts work?

Does your bill of materials call out a specific manufacturer, such as Holo-Krome or Blue Devil?

Make sure you have the correct installation hardware (Allen wrench or hex key) to go along with your Set Screws.

8. What level of certification is required?

Generally, a Certificate of Conformance or a COC is sufficient for your customer. Full certification with material certs, DFARS certification and test reports are often available for USA-made and mil-spec parts for a fee.

Here at MF Supply, we offer:

  • The full range of commercial and Mil-spec parts, including parts that are DFARS and ROHS compliant.
  • Brand names (Holo-Krome, Blue Devil) and generic equivalents.
  • Custom-made parts per print in non-standard and exotic materials and finishes.

For more detailed information about Set Screws, to request a line card, or to send an RFQ, visit our website. And if you don’t see what you need listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

Contact me at robin@mfsupply.com with your questions, comments or helpful hints!