How to Use MF Supply’s Cross-Reference Tables to Find Equivalent Fasteners Faster
Posted: November 18, 2025 Filed under: Branded Fasteners, Commercial Fasteners, Cross Reference Charts, dowel pin, E-Z LOK, Functional Equivalents, helical wire inserts, keensert, key-locking inserts, Metric Fasteners, Mil-Spec, Mil-Spec Electronic Hardware, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Precision Shoulder Screws, Threaded Inserts | Tags: Hardware, Helical Inserts Cross Reference, Keenserts, Keenserts Cross Reference, manufacturing, Metric Fasteners Cross-Reference, Mil-Spec Fasteners Cross-Reference, MS51830, ms51831, MS51832, Precision Engineering, Precision Manufacturers, Precision Shoulder Screws Cross Reference, threaded inserts Leave a comment
Many popular fastener brands, from Keensert® key-locking inserts to precision shoulder screws, have alternative form-fit-function equivalents available in Mil-Spec, commercial or generic versions. The fastest way to identify the right alternative without guessing is by using cross-reference tables.
At MF Supply, we’ve built and curated multiple product-specific cross-reference tables so buyers can confidently match OEM brands, Mil-Spec part numbers, and generic equivalents, saving time, money, and lead time risk, while maintaining quality and compliance.
Below is your quick-start playbook.
What Product Categories Have Cross-Reference Tables?
We currently publish, maintain, or reference cross-reference data for high-demand categories. On our website, the Inch, Mil-Spec & Metric Fasteners Cross-Reference Charts category serves as your central hub. Once there, you can drill down into specific product families:
- Helical Inserts
- Hex Head Cap Screws
- Keensert® style threaded inserts
- Knurled Thumb Screws
- Precision Dowel Pins
- Precision Shoulder Screws
- Retaining Rings
- Self-Clinching Fasteners (nuts, studs & standoffs)
- Spacers (round & hex)
- Standoffs (round & hex)
- Threaded Inserts for Metal (E-Z LOK equivalents)
Each product family/category links to cross-reference charts that map:
- OEM brand part numbers/products
- Mil-Spec (MS, NAS, MA, NA) series (if applicable)
- Generic functional equivalents
- Sizes, materials and other specifications
Popular product categories include adhesives and sealants, anchors, bits and nutsetters, cage nuts, flex type lock nuts, handles, Keenserts®, knurled thumb screws, nylon insert stop nuts, precision shoulder screws, retaining rings, rivets & blind threaded inserts, self-clinching, fasteners, spacers and standoffs, speed clips, spring nuts, weld nuts, weld studs, and woodworking screws.
Brands Commonly Included in Cross-Reference Comparisons
3 STAR RIVETS USA, ABBATRON®, ALCOA, AMATOM®, APEX®, ARCONIC®, ATLAS®, AVDEL®, AVK®, B. F. GOODRICH, BOLLHOFF, BUCKEYE, CAPTIVE, CELUS®, CHERRY®, CONCORD, EZ-Lok, FASTENAL, GESIPA®, GRIPCO®, GLOBE ELECTRONICS, GRAINGER, H. H. SMITH, HOWMET, HUCK, INDUX, INTERFAST, KEENSERT®, KEYSTONE, LOCTITE®, LYN-TRON, MACLEANESNA®, MARSON®, MCMASTER-CARR, MISUMI, MSC INDUSTRIAL, PEM®, PIC DESIGN®, POP®, POWERS®, QUICKSCREWS, RAF, RED HEAD®, ROTOR CLIP®, SHEREX, SIMPSON, SOUTHCO®, SPS TECHNOLOGIES, TINNERMAN®, UNICORP, U. S. ANCHOR. VIP, W. M. BERG, W. W. GRAINGER, WALDES TRUARC® and many more.
How to Use Our Cross-Reference Tables (5-Step Method)
When you’re chasing cost savings, cutting lead time, or finding a compliant alternative, our cross-reference charts make it fast and fail-proof. Here’s the playbook:
- Visit our Cross-Reference Hub
Head to the Inch, Mil-Spec & Metric Fastener Cross-Reference Charts on mfsupply.com. - Select Your Product Category
Pick the family you’re working with (Keenserts®, shoulder screws, dowel pins, etc.). - Locate Your Identifier
Find the OEM brand part number or Mil-Spec/NAS/MA/NA code inside the chart. - Match the Technical Requirements
Click through to the referenced item and verify the functional equivalency: material, plating/finish, thread/diameter, length, fit/series, and any spec callouts. - Order or Request a Quote With Requirements
Purchase online or submit an RFQ — and let us know if you need COC, MTR, DFARS, REACH/RoHS, Country of Origin, or other compliance docs.
When to Cross vs. When to Stay On Brand
Fastener buyers often ask: How can I determine if I must use the brand name or if I can cross to a generic part?
Use this handy 4 point checklist as your guide:
- Does your bill of materials specifically call for the OEM brand-name fastener or component?
- Can you live with the lead time or will having parts sooner improve delivery of the final product?
- Will your supplier provide a certificate of conformance?
- Will saving money help you be more competitive?
Do not cross when:
- The BOM mandates the OEM brand, and the end customer may not be flexible
- Traceability or contract terms prohibit substitution
Case Studies Proving It Works
| Product Type | Result | Savings | Lead-Time Impact |
| Precision Shoulder Screw | Crossed to 8 valid equivalents | Major cost reduction | Immediate availability |
| Keensert® Key-Locking Insert | Crossed to Mil-Spec equivalent | 59% saving | 28 weeks → 5 weeks |
Need Help? We’ll Build the Cross For You
If you’re unsure, send us the part number, drawing, photo, or BOM section. We’ll match it, validate compliance, and offer your best-value, best-availability option.
Email RFQs to: sales@mfsupply.com
“Finding the right screw for you” is our tagline 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.
Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply
- We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined – With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
- Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? – Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
- Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items – We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
- A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
- WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business – As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].
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.
Mil-Spec Fasteners in Stock at MF Supply
Posted: November 27, 2024 Filed under: Mil-Spec, Mil-Spec Electronic Hardware, Mil-Spec Fasteners | Tags: Fasteners, Hardware, Mil-spec fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners Distributor, Mil-Spec Fasteners Supplier, Mil-Spec Helical Inserts, Mil-Spec Hex Head Cap Screws, mil-spec keenserts, Mil-Spec Self-Tapping Screws, Mil-Spec Set Screws, Mil-Spec Socket Head Cap Screws, Military Electronic Hardware Supplier, Military Fasteners, Military Fasteners Supplier, supply chain Leave a comment
Are you searching for certified Mil-Spec fasteners to meet your bill of requirements (BOM) or project specifications? Look no further! MF Supply specializes in sourcing and supplying domestically manufactured AN, MS, and NAS Mil-Spec fasteners for aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. MF Supply stocks over 3,000 unique certified parts from the Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturers & Distributors (QSLM & QSLD). Mil-Spec products stocked include Keensert® Style Key-Locking Inserts, Helical (HeliCoil®) Inserts, Precision Dowel Pins, Slotted Spring Pins, Extended Prong Cotter Pins, Nuts, Washers, Machine Screws, Precision Shoulder Screws, Hex Head Cap Screws/Bolts, Socket Head Cap Screws, Set Screws, Self-Tapping Screws and more. All Mil-Spec parts undergo rigorous testing and are DFARS or domestically manufactured with Certificate of Conformance (COC) and Material and Physical certification paperwork available to ensure compliance.
Buy Mil-Spec Fasteners and Precision Electronic Hardware at MF Supply!
We Have All the Mil-Spec Fasteners and Precision Hardware You Need
We offer a huge selection of DFARS certified and domestic Mil-Spec fasteners directly on our website, making it easier for you to find exactly what you need for your project at the click of a button or via RFQ depending on your preferred method of procurement. Below is a list of some of our most popular Mil-Spec product categories available:
1 – Mil-Spec Keensert® Style Key-Locking Inserts
- Standards: MS51830, MS51831, MS51832, NA0146, NA0147, NA0148, NA0149, NA0150, NA0151, and NAS1395.
- Styles: Miniature, Thin Wall, Heavy Duty, Thick Wall, and Extra Heavy Duty
- Available Sizes: 2-56 to 1/2-13 Internal thread for inch sizes and M2 x 0.4 to M24 x 2 for metric sizes
- Materials: 4140 alloy steel, Nitronic 60, CRES A286 and 303 series stainless steel
- Applications: Can be used to create new threads, for thread reinforcement, and to repair stripped threads
2 – Helical Inserts (aka HeliCoil®)
- Standards: MS121, MS122, MS124, MS21209, MA3279, and MA3329
- Styles: Free-running and self-locking
- Available Sizes: #2-56 to 1½-6 for inch sizes and M2 to M36 for metric sizes
- Materials: CRES 300/18-8 stainless steel
- Applications: Can also be used to create new threads, for thread reinforcement, to convert threads between inch and metric sizes, and to repair stripped threads
3 – Mil-Spec Precision Dowel Pins
- Standards: MS16555, MS16556, and MIL-P-21143
- Styles: Interference/Press Fit, Undersize/Slip Fit and Oversize +.001
- Sizes: Diameters from 1/32 to 1 inch and lengths from 3/32 to 6 inches
- Materials: CRES 303, 400, 416 series stainless steel
- Applications: Can be used as a hinge, shaft, precise location device or pivot to align or secure parts within a precision assembly or fixture
4 – Mil-Spec Slotted Spring Pins
- Standards: MS16562
- Styles: Slotted
- Sizes: Diameters from 1/16 to ½ inch and lengths from 3/16 up to 3 inches long
- Materials: Alloy steel with a zinc phosphate finish
- Applications: Can be used as a hinge or shaft for the purpose of securing and fastening components together
5 – Mil-Spec Extended Prong Cotter Pins
- Standards: MS9245
- Styles: Extended Prong
- Sizes: Diameters from 1/32 to 5/32 inch and lengths from 1/4 to 1/2 inches long
- Materials: T321 stainless steel
- Applications: Designed to retain/secure a variety of fasteners such as bolts, nuts and pins in place and prevent them from sliding or coming out
6 – Mil-Spec Hex Finished Nuts
- Standards: MS51967B & MS51967C
- Styles: Grades B & C
- Sizes: Stock sizes from 1/4-20 through 3/4-10 inches thread
- Materials: Alloy steel with a cadmium yellow finish
- Applications: Used to fasten parts together by pairing and tightly securing bolts in place
- Standards: MS35649 & MS35650
- Available Sizes: Stock sizes from 2-56 through 3/8 thread
- Materials: Alloy steel cadmium yellow and 300/18-8 series stainless steel
- Applications: Typically paired with bolts or screws to ensure parts/components stay firmly fastened in place
8 – Mil-Spec Washers
- Standards: MS51848, NAS620, MS35333, MS35335, MS35338, AN960, AN960-C, AN970, MS15795, MS27183, NAS1149 & NAS620
- Styles: flat, light flat, flat machine screw, split lock, high collar split lock, internal tooth lock, and external tooth lock
- Materials: Carbon steel, Alloy steel and 300/18-8, 316, 400 series stainless steel
- Applications: Distribute the load of a fastener, such as a bolt or screw, over a larger surface area. This in turn helps reduce the effects of wear, damage or vibration on the fastener assembly by providing a cushion between the fastener head and the parent material
- Standards: MS24693, MS35190, MS35191, MS35206, MS35207, MS35265, MS35266, MS35275, MS35276, MS51957, MS51958, MS51959, & MS51960
- Styles: 82d & 100d Flat Phillips, Drilled Slotted Fillister, Philips Pan Head
- Available Sizes: Diameters range from 0-80 to 3/8-16 inches with lengths ranging from 3/32 to 3 inches long
- Materials: Carbon steel, Alloy steel, and 300/18-8 series stainless steel
- Applications: Often used in conjunction with other fastening elements, such as washers and nuts, they have uniform threads that when fastened engage with corresponding threads in a tapped hole or nut, creating a secure mechanical connection between components
10 – Mil-Spec Precision Shoulder Screws
- Standards: MS51576 & MS51575
- Styles: Hex and slotted drives
- Available Sizes: Stock sizes range from 4-40 to 3/8-16 thread
- Materials: 300/18-8 series stainless steel
- Applications: Feature a cylindrical unthreaded shoulder that serves as a dowel or pivot point for rotating parts, also used to hold parts together within a precision assembly
11 – Mil-Spec Hex Head Cap Screws/Bolts
- Style: Hex head
- Standards: MS35307, MS35308, MS90725, MS90726, MS90728G & MS90727F, B1821
- Sizes: Stock sizes range from 1/4-20 through 1-1/4 diameter
- Materials: Alloy steel, 300/18-8 Series Stainless Steel
- Applications: Their hexagonal heads allow for the application of high torque using a wrench or socket, which enables a very tight and secure fastening for load-bearing structures in military vehicles, aircrafts and more
- Style: Socket head
- Standards: NAS1352C / MS16995, NAS1351C / MS16996, MS16997, MS16998, NAS1351N & NAS1352N, & MS24671
- Sizes: Stock sizes range from 0-80 through 1-1/2 diameter
- Materials: Alloy steel, 300/18-8 series stainless steel, A286
- Applications: These screws have a cylindrical head with a hexagonal recess (socket) that allows for tightening with an Allen wrench/hex key. The socket head design allows for use in applications where there is limited space. The hexagonal socket allows for precise control during assembly, ensuring the screw is driven straight and accurately into the desired position
Can’t find what you’re looking for in the list above? Send us an RFQ with the product description or part number that you are looking for and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help find what you need!
Why Buy Mil-Spec Fasteners from MF Supply?
When precision, compliance, and reliability are non-negotiable, MF Supply stands out as a trusted partner for mil-spec fasteners. Here’s why industrial buyers across aerospace, robotics, defense, and manufacturing sectors turn to MF Supply:
Compliance and Certification: MF Supply’s mil-spec fasteners meet stringent U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) specifications, including MS51830, MS51831, and more. Each fastener is available with Material and Physical Test Reports, Certificates of Conformance, and DFARS/Domestic Statements—providing peace of mind for critical applications.
Sourcing Expertise: MF Supply works with the best factories across fastener categories, offering tailored solutions based on your budget, delivery and certification needs.
Reliability Across Critical Industries: Serving aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, and manufacturing sectors for over 50 years, MF Supply is a trusted partner for industries where delivery times, precision and reliability are non-negotiable.
Shop Over 3,000 Unique Mil-Spec Fasteners and Precision Hardware Directly on Our Website!
Manufacturers working with us can expect timely deliveries, competitive pricing, and access to expert guidance to help optimize their fastener choices. Manufacturers eager to explore our Mil-Spec products’ catalog, including our other recently expanded product categories, are encouraged to visit our website at www.mfsupply.com, reach out to us at sales@mfsupply.com or request a quote. Our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help you 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.
Your Purchasing Department’s Secret Weapon!
Here are 5 reasons to buy from MF Supply
- We Source and Deliver What Others Can’t, Faster Than You Imagined – With speedy solutions for elusive parts and lengthy delivery times – We’ve got you covered with both custom-made specials (send us your prints!) and hard-to-source options, quickly and at a fair price.
- Cost-Effective Functional Equivalents to OEM Brand Fasteners-Why Pay More? – Reduce lead times and costs with the same quality and same performance. Try us for alternatives to brands like McMaster-Carr, MSC, Misumi, PEM, and RAF and experience unmatched savings! Same form, fit and function for less.
- Huge Selection of Certified and Commercial Hardware with Same-day Shipping Available for Countless Items – We source and stock standards, specials, commercial, Mil-Spec & OEM brands in inch and metric sizes. Standards include AN, NAS, MS, IFI, ASTM, ASME, DIN, ISO, JIS. We are sourcing experts for inserts, certified Mil-Spec parts and anything in stainless steel. Many parts are available with manufacturers’ certifications, including DFAR, ROHS and CoC. Trust us to ship on-time from our national distribution centers.
- A User-Friendly, 24/7 Online Shopping Experience – Enjoy a 24/7 online shopping experience with easy-to-use filters, detailed product information, and a constantly updated technical directory. Sign up now for a seamless experience!
- WBE/WOSB Certified Woman-Owned Small Business – As a certified Woman-Owned Small Business, we support your diversity goals. Trust us to meet your fastener and sourcing needs with expertise and efficiency [Cage Code 58QG4].