Check out MF Supply’s 2023 Standoff & Spacer Cross Reference Tables!
Posted: April 18, 2023 Filed under: Cross Reference Charts, Female-Female, Hex Spacers, Hex Standoffs, Male-Female, Male-Male, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Spacers, Standoffs, Standoffs and Spacers | Tags: Hardware, Keenserts, manufacturing Leave a commentStandoffs & Spacers Equivalent Cross Reference: Find OEM brands & Functional Equivalents
Using functional equivalents, including Mil-Spec, generics and other OEM brands’ versions of Electronic Hardware like Standoffs and Spacers, is a practice many manufacturer’s use to save money and shorten lead times.
Checkout our four most popular Standoff & Spacer cross reference charts to see if there is a Functional Equivalent to your OEM fastener brand, and start saving money and reducing lead times immediately.
Round Spacers

Round shaped Spacers. Available in Aluminum, Brass, Nylon, and Stainless Steel materials.
Hex Standoffs

Hex shaped Female and Male-Female Standoffs. Available in Aluminum, Brass, Nylon, and Stainless Steel materials.
Round Standoffs

Round shaped Female and Male-Female Standoffs. Available in Aluminum, Brass, Nylon, and Stainless Steel materials.
MF Supply is a leading supplier of Standoffs and Spacers, including major brands and equivalents to Amatom, Captive, Concord, Globe, HH Smith, Grainger, Keystone, Lyn-tron, McMaster-Carr, MSC, Microplastics, PEM, RAF, Unicorp and more in imperial, metric and mil-spec sizes and materials.
We stock a huge inventory including Inch & Metric Sizes, Round and Hex styles, Female & Male-Female options and a variety of sizes, materials and platings. We stock commercial imported and domestically made and DFAR compliant with COC and full certifications available upon request.
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.
If you cant find the part number you need feel free to request a quote and our sourcing experts can help you out!
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 https://conta.cc/3r0B1Q3 |
Over 1,700 Standoffs and Spacers in stock!
Posted: March 31, 2023 Filed under: Electronic Hardware, Fasteners, Hex Spacers, Hex Standoffs, Inch, Metric, Panel Fasteners, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Spacers, Standoffs, Standoffs and Spacers, Threaded Fasteners | Tags: Aluminum, Brass, Fasteners, Hardware, Hex Spacers, Hex Standofffs, Hexagonal Spacers, Hexagonal Standoffs, Inch Spacers, Inch Standoffs, Metric Spacers, Metric Standoffs, Nickel, Nickel Plating, Nylon, Passivated Plating, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Self-Clinching, Self-clinching Standoffs, Spacers, Stainless Steel, standoffs, Standoffs Female, Standoffs Female Threaded, Standoffs Male-Female, Standoffs Male-Female Threaded, Steel, Zinc, Zinc Plating Leave a commentAre 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
- Stainless Steel – Type BSOS & Series CFBSOS
- Steel Zinc – Type BSO
- Steel Zinc – Type SO & Series CFSO
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.
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?
Posted: March 28, 2023 Filed under: Electronic Hardware, Female-Female, Hex Spacers, Hex Standoffs, Inch, Male-Female, Male-Male, Metric, Panel Fasteners, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Spacers, Standoffs, Standoffs and Spacers | Tags: Electronic Hardware, Hex Spacers, Hex Standoffs, Inch Spacers, Inch Standoffs, Industrial, Lyn-tron, Metric Spacers, Metric Standoffs, NAS1829, NAS1830, NAS1831, Round Spacers, Round Standoffs, Spacers Hex, Spacers Round, Standoffs and Spacers, Standoffs Female, Standoffs Female-Female, Standoffs Hex, Standoffs Male, Standoffs Male-Female, Standoffs Round Leave a commentWhat 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.
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 Buyer’s Guide
Posted: October 26, 2017 Filed under: Brand equivalents, DFARS, Electronic Hardware, Mil-Spec, Standoffs and Spacers | Tags: standoffs, Standoffs and Spacers Leave a comment7 things you need to know
According to the dictionary, a standoff is defined as “a stalemate or a deadlock between two equally matched opponents and a spacer is a piece of material used to maintain space between 2 things. In the world of precision manufacturing, standoffs and spacers are mechanical components that are used the create space or join parts together, typically in PC boards. Below are 7 things to know to have the most efficient buying process.
Often classified as Electronic or Panel Hardware, Standoffs and Spacers are commonly used to mechanically support and electrically connect and position components within assemblies, typically in PC boards and instrument panels.
- What’s the difference between a standoff and a spacer?
Both standoffs and spacers have a hex or round shaped body, and 2 openings. The main difference is that spacers are unthreaded with an inside clearance hole, and standoffs are threaded on both ends. Threads may be male (external) r female (internal).
- Who uses standoffs and spacers?
Look inside an assembled circuit board, and you will be greeted by a bevy of Standoffs and Spacers, because 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 materials and platings are available?
Common materials include aluminum, brass, plastic/nylon and stainless steel. Common platings include clear anodized, nickel, gold iridite and zinc plated. There are over 20 common platings available! Here is a guide to most common materials:
- Aluminumis popular because of its ratio of weight to strength. It is light, non-magnetic, performs well in severe temperatures, and has insulating properties.
- Brassis 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.
- 18-8 Stainless Steelis strong, conductive, nonmagnetic and offers excellent corrosion resistance.
- Nylon 6/6is superlight, nonconductive, and resistant to chemicals and solvents.
316 stainless steel, alloy and other exotic materials, and special diameters and lengths are available in certain sizes and/or for special order and usually involve a lead time.
- What sizes are available off the shelf?
Standard stock sizes run from 3/16 – 1/2 body diameter, 1/4 to 2” long with threads starting at 2-56 running through 1/4-20 and clearance holes ranging from #2 though 1/4”. Metric stock sizes run from M3.5-M6 body diameter with M2.5, M3 and M4 threads. Remember, the lengths and threads available depend upon the diameter of the body and not all size configurations will be available.
As always, special lengths and sizes are available – just ask!
- What information should I provide to get an accurate quote?
The easiest way to order is by manufacturer part number. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to specify body diameter, body shape (hex or round), body length, thread size & gender (male or female), material and plating. For example, a popular standoff size is a 1/4 hex x 1/2 Long x 10-32 male Standoff in Stainless Steel.
- Are there other factors to consider?
YES! 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. Popular brands include: Amatom, Concord, Globe, H.H. Smith, Lyn-tron, Microplastics, Keystone, Pem, RAF, Unicorp.
Finally, 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, NAS1831. Where applicable, these Mil-spec parts will be DFAR compliant with full paperwork.
Contact me at robin@mfsupply.com with your questions, comments or helpful hints!
What the heck are Standoffs and Spacers?
Posted: August 19, 2014 Filed under: Electronic Hardware, Panel Fasteners, Standoffs and Spacers | Tags: Electronic Hardware, Lyn-tron, NAS1829, NAS1830, NAS1831, Standoffs and Spacers Leave a commentNewsletter
Volume 9
August 20, 2014
What the heck are Standoffs and Spacers?
We close out the summer of 2014 by 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 a 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 will be greeted by Standoffs and Spacers, because 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. 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):
1) Female-female: can be fully threaded or partially threaded on each end.
2) Male-female: have internal female threads on one end and male threads on the other. Threads are generally the same size.
3) 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 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 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 is strong, conductive, and nonmagnetic, this stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance.
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 often zinc plated for added corrosion resistance.
Nylon 6/6 is superlight, nonconductive, and resistant to chemicals and solvents. Nylon absorbs moisture, which can affect dimensions and other properties.
Lesson Learned, 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.
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.
For more detailed information, visit us at http://www.mfsupply.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1832
And if you don’t see it listed, as always, ask us. Finding the right screw for you is our tag line after all!