Buyer’s Guide to Metric Dowel Pins Refreshed for 2023!
Posted: February 28, 2023 Filed under: DIN 6325, DIN 7, dowel pin, ISO 2338, ISO 8734, Metric Dowel Pins, Mil-Spec, PRECISION DOWEL PIN Leave a comment7 Things to Know When Buying Metric Dowel Pins
This guide is a follow up to our Dowel Pin Buyer’s Guide published last week, on February 23, 2023. This post is specifically written to share with you the available options when it comes to procuring precision Metric dowel pins.
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process and guide you in the critical selection factors for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.
1. What standards are Metric Dowel Pins made to?
Metric dowel pins are tricky because they fall into two buckets:
- DIN / ISO standard – These metric Dowel pins are readily available in the commercial marketplace and in addition to your suppliers, can be procured through national catalogers like Mcmaster-Carr, Grainger and Holo-Krome. They come on steel and stainless steel.
- Precision Metric Dowel Pins – These “Precision” dowel pins are manufactured by precision component brands such as Pic Design, WM Berg and Unicorp who have their own technical specifications and are not governed by DIN or ISO standards. They are usually only offered in stainless steel through distributors of precision components.
2 . What are the specific criteria I can select for Metric dowel pins?
Here is a list of the criteria and available options available:
- Size
- Material
- Hardened or Unhardened
- End style
- Tolerances
3 . Can you list the standard and precision dowel pins available off the shelf?
- DIN 7
- DIN 6325 & DIN 6325H
- ISO 2338A & ISO 2338B
- ISO 8734
- PRECISION UNHARDENED PRESS FIT DOWEL PINS SS303
- PRECISION HARDENED DOWEL PINS SS416
4. Which types of metric dowel pins are available in which sizes and materials?
Use this handy grid to understand the sizes and materials available in each Metric dowel pin style.
Standard |
Ends |
Materials |
Tolerances / Fit |
Hardness |
Diameters |
DIN7ISO 2338ISO 2338A |
Rounded or beveled |
Steel (least common)300 Series Stainless Steel includingA1=18-8, 303, 304A4=316 |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Unhardened |
M.8-M20 |
ISO 2338B |
Rounded or beveled |
300 Series Stainless SteelA1=18-8, 303, 304 |
H8 diameter tolerance |
Unhardened |
M1.5-10 |
DIN 6325DIN 6325HISO 8734AISO 8734 |
Rounded on one endBeveled on one end |
Alloy Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Hardened toRHC 52-62 |
M1-M25 |
Precision Unhardened |
Rounded |
300 Series Stainless Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Unhardened |
M1-M12 |
Precision Hardened |
Rounded on one endBeveled on one end |
416 Stainless Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Hardened toRHC 36-42 |
M2-M10 |
Important note: All pin options may not be available in all sizes and materials.
5. When ordering, do I need to specify the dowel pin tolerance or call out attributes such as standard, undersized or oversized fit?
Metric dowel pins can show up under DINs and ISO numbers, including : DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734. When ordering DIN/ISO dowel pins it is best to include the Diameter, Length, Material, DIN or ISO and tolerance. For non DIN/ISO Precision metric dowel pins, you can order by the manufacturer part number, such as Pic (MDP series), WM Berg (DM Series), or Holo-Krome.
6. Can I specify if I need radius (round) or chamfer (bevel) on the pin ends?
The pin style will depend upon the spec and the material. Precision dowel pins may come with either a double chamfer, double radius, or a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other end. Check with the handy grid above for guidance.
Important note: The configuration of the ends of unhardened metric dowel pins are at the discretion of the manufacturer. If you have a specific style requirements, you might need to special order which usually involves a minimum and a lead time.
7. What if I need domestic or DFAR certified Metric dowel pins?
If you are ordering by a Precision Manufacturer part number, you are in luck! Most of the stainless steel pins produced by Pic, WM Berg and Unicorp qualify as DFAR compliant and full certifications with material certs and test reports are often available for USA made parts for a fee.
Metric Dowel Pins at MF Supply
We offer:
- The full range of commercial Metric Dowel pins including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Metric sizes including ASME ANSI B18.8.2, DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734
- Metric Precision Dowel pins including Press-Fit Series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 Stainless Steel.
- Brand names and generic equivalents.
- Custom-made parts per print in non-standard sizes and exotic materials and finishes.
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.
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.
The Buyer’s Guide to Dowel Pins You Must Have Today! Updated for 2023!
Posted: February 23, 2023 Filed under: dowel pin, Mil-Spec, MS16555, MS16556 and Mil-P-21143., PRECISION DOWEL PIN 1 CommentMF Supply is a trusted Supplier of Precision Dowel Pins for manufacturers. Through our extensive assortment of Inch, Metric, Commercial, Mil-Spec and OEM brand names and equivalents, we offer our customers quality imported and domestic dowel options. Our products are competitively priced with fast delivery from multiple distributions centers across the USA. Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.
8 Things to Know When Buying Dowel Pins
If you are a manufacturer working with complex assemblies or fixtures, then you’re likely very familiar with precision dowel pins. Commonly used as a hinge, shaft or pivot to locate or hold assembled parts together, dowel pins can withstand frequent insertion and removal without distortion. They are broadly used across various applications in many industries, including: aerospace, electrical motors, hydraulic equipment, instrumentation, tooling and fixtures, machinery, military and many more.
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.
1. What is a precision dowel pin?
Dowel pins are solid, headless cylindrical shaped straight metal pins with a centerless ground finish. Manufactured to precise fractional diameters and lengths, dowel pins come in a variety of sizes, styles, designs and materials. This variability can cause confusion among buyers, engineers and end-users alike.
2. What materials and platings are available?
Precision dowel pins are available off the shelf in alloy steel (typically hardened) and stainless steel grades 18-8/303, 316 and 416 (typically hardened). Other exotic materials or special finishes are available for special order with a lead time.
3. What sizes are available?
Standard sizes include inch from 1/16″ to 1″ diameter, and metric from M1 to M20 diameter. Length options vary by diameter. Other diameters and special lengths are available for special order and usually involve a lead time.
4. When ordering, do I need to specify the dowel pin tolerance or call out attributes such as standard, undersized or oversized fit?
Precision dowel pins often show up under their MIL-SPEC numbers, MS16555, MS16556 and Mil-P-21143. Metric dowel pins might show up under the following DINs and ISO numbers: DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734. Dowel pins might also show up under a manufacturer part number such as Pic, WM Berg, Unbrako or Holo-Krome.
If you are ordering by MIL-SPEC, manufacturer’s part number or DIN, then the general attributes including tolerance and style are known. Here are a few of the other options that will help you order the correct pin:
- The most common standard inch or imperial sized precision dowel pin is made to the ASME ANSI B18.8.2 spec and has a diameter tolerance of -0.00 / +0.0002 and length tolerance of +/-0.010. For example, a ¼” (0.25) diameter standard dowel pin will have a diameter between 0.2500–0.2502″.
- The standard metric tolerance is related to the DIN. Both DIN 7 and DIN 6325 have a standard m6 diameter tolerance of +0.012mm / +0.004mm and a length tolerance related to the specific pin length.
- Undersized series dowel pins are used for inconsistent holes. They have a basic diameter 0.0002″ under the nominal diameter. For example, a ¼” (0.25) diameter undersized dowel pin will have a diameter between 0.2500–0.2498″. The Mil-P-21143/2- falls into the undersized category.
- Important note: All pin options may not be available in all sizes and materials.
- OEM branded pins have their own tolerances and specifications.
- Finally, the Oversized series of dowel pins are usually used to fit into worn holes and are generally used in the aftermarket for repairs. These pins are only available off the shelf in steel in a small range of sizes.
5. Can I specify if I need radius or chamfer on the pin ends?
The pin style will depend upon the spec and the material. Precision dowel pins may come with either a double chamfer or a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other end. Specific style requirements are available for special order and usually involve a lead time.
6. What information do I need to request a quote?
The easiest way to order is by either the manufacturer or MIL-SPEC part number. To order by description, you need the diameter, length and material and if applicable, and any special tolerance, plating or style requirements.
7. Do I need to buy special installation tools?
Just remember, no hammers! When installing dowel pins, never drive the pin into the hole with force. Always press it in for best results. And production favors pins since they require no extra fastening hardware for insertion, no secondary operations, and no mating parts. This ease-of-use adds up to speedier production, which makes everyone in the food chain happy!
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 and test reports are often available for USA made and MIL-SPEC parts and might have an additional fee.
Available Dowel Pins Categories
We are Dowel Pin experts, offering the full catalog of standard Dowel Pins in Inch, Metric, Military and OEM branded options in a wide selection of materials, sizes and specifications. As stocking distributors, many dowel pins are available and ready to ship today from our national distribution centers.
- The full range of commercial and MIL-SPEC parts (M21143, MS16555, MS9390), including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Inch sizes to ASME ANSI B18.8.2 standards in Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel 18-8, 316, 400 Series and Hardened
- Metric sizes including DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734 in Alloy Steel, A2 & A4 Stainless Steel
- Precision Series and OEM branded equivalents to PIC, BERG, both Inch & Metric Precision Dowel pins including Press-Fit A, B and Slip-Fit C series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 Stainless Steel.
In addition to our vast selections of standards, we offer Custom-made parts per print in non-standard sizes and exotic materials and finishes made here in the USA with full certifications. Minimums and lead times will apply.
Seeking parts not listed for purchase on our website? We’ve got you covered! Submit your Dowel Pin RFQ and our team of experts will return your quote quickly!
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.
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.
Read More conta.cc/3wxQF8E
The Buyer’s Guide to Dowel Pins You Must Have Today!
Posted: August 26, 2022 Filed under: dowel pin, Mil-Spec, MS16555, MS16556 and Mil-P-21143., PRECISION DOWEL PIN Leave a commentMF Supply is a trusted Supplier of Precision Dowel Pins to manufacturers with our extensive assortment of Inch, Metric, Commercial, Mil-Spec and OEM brand names and equivalents.
Read More conta.cc/3wxQF8E
Buyer’s Guide to Metric Dowel Pins
Posted: April 3, 2018 Filed under: DIN 6325, DIN 7, dowel pin, ISO 2338, ISO 8734, Metric Dowel Pins, Mil-Spec, PRECISION DOWEL PIN Leave a comment7 Things to Know When Buying Metric Dowel Pins
This guide is a follow up to our Dowel Pin Buyer’s Guide. This post is specifically written to share with you the available options when it comes to procuring precision Metric dowel pins.
Our goal is to help simplify the buying process and guide you in the critical selection factors for this sometimes complex and confusing category of fasteners.
1. What standards are Metric Dowel Pins made to?
Metric dowel pins are tricky because they fall into two buckets:
- DIN / ISO standard – These metric Dowel pins are readily available in the commercial marketplace and in addition to your suppliers, can be procured through national catalogers like Mcmaster-Carr, Grainger and Holo-Krome. They come on steel and stainless steel.
- Precision Metric Dowel Pins – These “Precision” dowel pins are manufactured by precision component brands such as Pic Design, WM Berg and Unicorp who have their own technical specifications and are not governed by DIN or ISO standards. They are usually only offered in stainless steel through distributors of precision components.
2 . What are the specific criteria I can select for Metric dowel pins?
Here is a list of the criteria and available options available:
- Size
- Material
- Hardened or Unhardened
- End style
- Tolerances
3 . Can you list the standard and precision dowel pins available off the shelf?
- DIN 7
- DIN 6325 & DIN 6325H
- ISO 2338A & ISO 2338B
- ISO 8734
- PRECISION UNHARDENED PRESS FIT DOWEL PINS SS303
- PRECISION HARDENED DOWEL PINS SS416
4. Which types of metric dowel pins are available in which sizes and materials?
Use this handy grid to understand the sizes and materials available in each Metric dowel pin style.
Standard |
Ends |
Materials |
Tolerances / Fit |
Hardness |
Diameters |
DIN7ISO 2338ISO 2338A |
Rounded or beveled |
Steel (least common)300 Series Stainless Steel includingA1=18-8, 303, 304A4=316 |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Unhardened |
M.8-M20 |
ISO 2338B |
Rounded or beveled |
300 Series Stainless SteelA1=18-8, 303, 304 |
H8 diameter tolerance |
Unhardened |
M1.5-10 |
DIN 6325DIN 6325HISO 8734AISO 8734 |
Rounded on one endBeveled on one end |
Alloy Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Hardened toRHC 52-62 |
M1-M25 |
Precision Unhardened |
Rounded |
300 Series Stainless Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Unhardened |
M1-M12 |
Precision Hardened |
Rounded on one endBeveled on one end |
416 Stainless Steel |
M6 diameter toleranceSlightly Oversizedaka Press Fit |
Hardened toRHC 36-42 |
M2-M10 |
Important note: All pin options may not be available in all sizes and materials.
5. When ordering, do I need to specify the dowel pin tolerance or call out attributes such as standard, undersized or oversized fit?
Metric dowel pins can show up under DINs and ISO numbers, including : DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734. When ordering DIN/ISO dowel pins it is best to include the Diameter, Length, Material, DIN or ISO and tolerance. For non DIN/ISO Precision metric dowel pins, you can order by the manufacturer part number, such as Pic (MDP series), WM Berg (DM Series), or Holo-Krome.
6. Can I specify if I need radius (round) or chamfer (bevel) on the pin ends?
The pin style will depend upon the spec and the material. Precision dowel pins may come with either a double chamfer, double radius, or a radius on one end and a chamfer on the other end. Check with the handy grid above for guidance.
Important note: The configuration of the ends of unhardened metric dowel pins are at the discretion of the manufacturer. If you have a specific style requirements, you might need to special order which usually involves a minimum and a lead time.
7. What if I need domestic or DFAR certified Metric dowel pins?
If you are ordering by a Precision Manufacturer part number, you are in luck! Most of the stainless steel pins produced by Pic, WM Berg and Unicorp qualify as DFAR compliant and full certifications with material certs and test reports are often available for USA made parts for a fee.
Metric Dowel Pins at MF Supply
We offer:
- The full range of commercial Metric Dowel pins including parts that are USA made, DFARS and ROHS compliant.
- Metric sizes including ASME ANSI B18.8.2, DIN 7, DIN 6325, and ISO 2338 and 8734
- Metric Precision Dowel pins including Press-Fit Series and all MD series pins in 416 and 303 Stainless Steel.
- Brand names and generic equivalents.
- Custom-made parts per print in non-standard sizes and exotic materials and finishes.
For more detailed information about Metric Dowel Pins, 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!
About Us
For more than 40 years, MF Supply has helped American manufacturers streamline operations, saving them time and money with our sourcing expertise and unique supply chain strategies. We are a WBE/WOSB certified stocking distributor of fasteners and electronic components.
We work with the best-established factories in the United States and DFARS-certified countries, and stock a huge inventory including all major brands and equivalents. MF Supply provides solutions including: same-day drop ship direct from the factory; custom sizes, materials and plating options; and DFARS parts with full paperwork and Certificates of Conformance.
We creatively solve common problems including hard-to-find parts and long lead times. Our sourcing and reworking expertise includes fast turnaround for modification of existing parts, hard to find standards and specials, special threads, non-standard diameters and lengths, exotic materials, special platings and short runs. We provide functional equivalents to expensive brand name fasteners and help our customers save money while reducing lead times.
Follow our blog at http://blog.mfsupply.com/
Buyer’s Guide for Using Functional Equivalents to OEM Brands
Posted: July 28, 2017 Filed under: Brand equivalents, keensert, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec, POP Rivet, PRECISION DOWEL PIN, Precision Shoulder Screws Leave a comment5 Things to Know when Comparing Fastener Brands to Generic Alternatives
This year, we’ve discussed how the trademarked brand Keensert® is often available as a Mil-Spec or generic branded key-locking insert. We also reviewed how national brands of precision shoulder screws, such as Amatom, Concord, RAF and others are also offered by McMaster-Carr (tight tolerance series), MSC, Grainger and generically.
But how exactly do you determine which categories of fasteners cross to generic alternatives? This guide offers creative solutions including when to cross, and how to save money and reduce long lead times by using brand alternatives.
1. What is a functional equivalent when it comes to fasteners and precision components?
You can find hundreds of registered trademark-branded fasteners and components in the industrial marketplace. Much like brand-name pharmaceuticals such as Tylenol and Advil are available generically (as acetaminophen and ibuprofen), some brand name fasteners are also available as “generics,” “crosses,” “alternatives” or “functional equivalents.”
In the world of fasteners, a functional equivalent fastener is a part that is the same as the brand-name product in form, fit and function, including material and plating specifications.
2. How can I determine if I must use the brand name or if I can cross to a generic part?
Before you shop, check the bill of materials to see if it specifically calls out a particular brand name along with the part number. If no specific manufacturer’s name is listed, then you can typically use a functional equivalent.
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?
3. What categories of fasteners are available as generic or functional equivalents?
Popular 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.
4. What brands of fasteners should I consider crossing to their generic or functional equivalent?
A sample list of brands that have generic alternatives:
3 STAR RIVETS USA, ABBATRON®, ALCOA, AMATOM®, APEX®, ARCONIC®, ATLAS®, AVDEL®, AVK®, B. F. GOODRICH, BOLLHOFF, BUCKEYE, CAPTIVE, CELUS®, CHERRY®, CONCORD, FASTENAL, GESIPA®, GRIPCO®, GLOBE ELECTRONICS, H. H. SMITH, HUCK, INDUX, INTERFAST, 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®, U. S. ANCHOR. VIP, W. M. BERG, W. W. GRAINGER, WALDES TRUARC®.
5. What are the advantages of using functional equivalents?
Brand names are great, and when they are in stock, available and required by your customer, then you can buy them with confidence in their quality. However, one surefire way to save money and shorten delivery time is to cross the OEM brand part on your bill of materials to a functional equivalent.
Brands and Functional Equivalents at MF Supply
Supplying a full range of fastener products and services, MF Supply is an authorized distributor of Amatom/Carey, Captive (Pem equivalent), Chrislynn Inserts, Concord, EZ-Lok, Lok-mor, Lyn-tron, Microplastics, Shear-loc, S&M Retaining Rings, and Unicorp, as well as a distribution partner for many others. We have an expertise in dowel pins, inserts and Keenserts and domestic and Mil-Spec products.
We provide functional equivalents to expensive brand name fasteners and help our customers save money while reducing long lead times. Check out our recent case study where a functional equivalent was substituted for an OEM brand, reducing costs by 37% and shaving lead time. This time and money savings gave the manufacturer an advantage over their competition, which helped them win the job.
For more detailed information about brands we commonly cross, visit our website. And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!
MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified stocking distributor of precision fasteners and electronic components, specializing in precision hardware including precision shoulder screws. For more than 40 years, we have been supplying manufacturers in the electronics, industrial, commercial, aerospace and military markets with the full range of fastener products and services.