Top 27 Mil-Spec Fastener Questions & Expert Answers on AN, MS, NAS & MIL-STD Hardware Frequently Asked Questions About Military Standard (MIL-STD) Hardware (Part 2 of 4) 

Posted: February 24, 2026 | Author: | Filed under: DFARS, Domestic Fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments
Top 27 Mil-Spec Fastener Questions & Expert Answers Part 2

Welcome back to our 4-part series on Mil-Spec Fastener Questions and Expert Answers.  In part one, we covered what makes a fastener truly Mil-Spec. In Part 2, we focus on Mil-spec fastener compliance, certifications, and documentation.  

In this installment, we break down DFARS and specialty metals, qualifying countries, certification and COC requirements. We also cover when additional documentation must be requested, how to interpret Mil-Spec part numbers, and where to obtain official prints and supporting documentation, the practical checkpoints in the life of a Mil-Spec fastener.

Part 2 – DFARS Specialty Metals, COCs/MTRs & Compliance Paperwork

8. What does DFARS compliance mean? 

DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) compliance means that the specialty metals used in the fasteners are sourced and manufactured from approved countries. DFARS is often required for Defense Department related contracts. 

9. What materials are DFARS-eligible?

DFARS only pertains to fasteners made from “specialty metals” including stainless steel, high alloy steel, like Grade-BD, or Grade 5 Chromium steel with high chromium content. “Specialty metals” means: 

  1. Steel:
    • With a maximum alloy content exceeding one or more of the following limits:  
      • 1.65% Manganese 
      • 0.60% Silicon 
      • 0.60% Copper 
  1. Metal alloys consisting of: 
    • Containing more than 0.25% of any of the following elements:
      • Aluminum
      • Chromium
      • Cobalt
      • Molybdenum
      • Nickel
      • Niobium (Columbium)
      • Titanium
      • Tungsten
      • Vanadium
  1. Titanium and titanium alloys
    • Nickel or iron-nickel alloys that contain a total of alloying metals other than nickel and iron in excess of 10%.
    • Cobalt alloys that contain a total of alloying metals other than cobalt and iron in excess of 10%. 
  1. Zirconium and zirconium alloys 

“Steel” means an iron alloy that includes between .02 and 2 percent carbon and may include other elements. 
 
Restriction: Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this clause, any specialty metals incorporated in items delivered under this contract shall be melted or produced in the United States, its outlying areas, or a qualifying country. 

10. More about DFARS

Almost a decade ago, the term “DFARS Compliant Material” came to the forefront for companies supplying parts and services to the government. The original Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 252.225-7014 specified “A Preference for Domestic Specialty Metals.”  What that means in our world is that for fasteners to be DFARS compliant, the metal used to fabricate them must be melted or manufactured in the United States or a qualifying country. 
 
Qualifying countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Visit the DPC website, section 252.225, or the ACQ website to keep up to date with DFARs requirements, which were updated January 2023. To learn more about DFARS as it pertains to Mil-Spec fasteners, refer to this link. 

11. How do I know if a fastener is Mil-Spec certified?

Mil-Spec fasteners are commonly supplied with a manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformance (COC) referencing the part number which calls out the standard the fastener is made to. 

12. What paperwork comes with Mil-Spec fasteners?

Although Mil-Spec fasteners are commonly provided with the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformance (COC), other paperwork such as Material Test Report (MTRs), Plating or Heat Treatment Certifications, DFARS certification, Lot traceability or Dimensional Test reports may also be available and sometimes involve a fee.

Here is a more extensive list of paperwork that might accompany Mil-spec fasteners:

  1. Manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformance (COC) 
    • Verifies that the parts meet the specified Mil-Spec standard 
    • Should include part number, lot number, specification, and manufacturer info 
  2. Material Test Reports (MTRs) (if required) 
    • Confirms the chemical and mechanical properties of the raw material 
    • Typically needed for DFARS compliance or aerospace contracts
  3. DFARS Compliance Statement (if applicable) 
    • Required if your project is subject to DFARS specialty metals clause 
    • Should confirm country of melt and manufacture is DFARS-approved 
  4. Plating or Finish Certifications (if applicable) 
    • Certifies any surface treatments (e.g., cadmium, zinc, passivation) meet required specs 
  5. Heat Treat Certification (for heat-treated parts) 
    • Confirms the heat treatment process meets the Mil-Spec requirements 
  6. Dimensional or Inspection Reports (on request or for critical parts) 
    • Documents that parts were inspected and meet dimensional tolerances 
  7. Lot Traceability 
    • Ensures all fasteners in your order can be traced back to the original manufacturing lot 

13. How do I read a Mil-Spec part number?

Each character in the part number provides information about the size, material, thread, and finish. For example, MS24693C4, sometimes expressed MS24693-C4 or MS24693C-4 is a 4-40 x 3/8 Phillips Flat 100 Degree Machine Screw in 300 Series Stainless Steel. Contact us if you need help decoding a part number! 

14. Where can I get a print of a Mil-Spec part number?

Documentation for MIL-STD parts are maintained by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has a database of prints available for purchase. 

The fastest way to avoid delays is to align documentation requirements up front, especially when DFARS applies or when your flowdown calls for more than a standard COC. 

Lessons learned: Mil-spec fastener compliance, certifications, and documentation.

Material test reports, plating/finish certs, heat-treat certs, dimensional/inspection reports, and lot traceability can be available, but they often need to be explicitly requested, and sometimes also carry added cost, so it’s smart to define that scope before release and ensure all needed documents are included during your receiving process. 

In our next installment, Part 3, we’ll shift from compliance to sourcing strategy: where to find Mil-Spec catalogs/specs, what types of MIL-STD hardware are commonly used, which materials show up most, and how to think about functional equivalents and cross-referencing without compromising requirements.   

In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to Connect withour team or send us a request for quote and our team of sourcing experts will help you find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all! 

Related:  

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

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. 

Case Study: Avoiding a 26-Week Delay with Stocked DFARS Screws

Posted: December 16, 2025 | Author: | Filed under: DFARS, Domestic Fasteners, keensert, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Socket Head Cap Screw, Socket Products | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Buyer’s Case Study on Compliance + Speed

If you sell into the defense or aerospace industry, “finding a screw” is never just finding a screw. The part has to be dimensionally and chemically correct and compliant, with the documentation to prove it. 

This is where many procurement teams get stuck: the hardware exists, but the paper trail doesn’t… or the lead time blows up the schedule. 

The MF Supply Value Proposition

If you have a commercial part on a BOM that now needs DFARS / Buy American + documentation, MF Supply helps you do one of two things: 

  1. Convert the requirement into the correct Mil-Spec / spec-controlled equivalent (form/fit/function + compliance + paperwork). 
  1. Source or produce a DFARS-compliant version of a commercial catalog part with shorter lead times and with the right cert package. 

You get the part you need, on time, with the compliance paperwork you need without playing supplier roulette.

What DFARS/Buy American Actually Means for Fasteners 

For fasteners made from specialty metals (including many stainless and high-alloy steels), DFARS requires qualifying melt/manufacture origin. But the “gotcha” is simple:  If you can’t document it, it doesn’t count. 

Typical documentation packages include: 

  • Manufacturer Certificate of Conformance (COC) 
  • Country-of-origin / DFARs specialty metal compliance statements 
  • Material Test Reports (MTRs)

Visit the DPC website, section 252.225, to keep up to date with DFARs requirements, which were updated January 2023. Click here and scroll to 7009 for more information: 252.225-7000 Buy American Act – Balance of Payments Program Certificate.

The Challenge: Compliant Part, Short Lead Time, Complete Documentation

Many “available” fasteners on the market are: 

  • Not DFARS compliant
  • Not available with COC/MTR 
  • Not stocked (or stocked without the right chain-of-custody), leading to long lead times  

The Situation: “We Need It Now… and It Needs To Pass Audit.”

A manufacturer supporting a defense aerospace assembly needed a 10-32 x 3/4 socket head cap screw in 300-series stainless. The Bill of Materials (BOM) required: 

  • DFARS-compliant specialty metal
  • Manufacturer COC  
  • MTRs / test reports 
  • Documented material origin 

Their incumbent supplier quoted 26–30 weeks. That was a hard no. 

The Solution: Cross-Reference to an In-Stock Mil-Spec Option (With Paperwork)

The buyer searched for DFARS-compliant 10-32 x 3/4 socket head cap screws in stainless steel and landed on MF Supply’s product page for: NAS1351C3-12 (10-32 x 3/4) Mil-Spec socket head cap screw, stainless, DFARS 

MF Supply worked with the buyer to: 

  • Confirm the correct spec-controlled requirement  
  • Pull active inventory from a qualified supply chain 
  • Provide COC + MTR documentation 
  • Confirm DFARS specialty metal origin with documentation

The result 

  • 26+ week production delay avoided 
  • Compliance risk eliminated 
  • Audit-ready paperwork shipped with the order 

When Cross-Referencing Helps (And When It Doesn’t)

Cross-referencing can reduce lead times and risk when it’s validated upfront: 

  • Form/fit/function confirmed 
  • Spec requirements verified (AN/MS/NAS/NASM, etc.) 
  • Documentation requirements confirmed (COC, MTR, COO/DFARS statements) 

Substitution only works when the part and the paperwork both match the requirement. 

Buyer Takeaway: In-Stock + Paperwork=Shorter Lead Times, No Surprises

If your customer needs DFARS / Buy American compliance, always ask: 

  • Can you provide a COC?
  • Can you provide DFARS specialty metal documentation?  
  • Is material origin documented? 
  • Is it in stock, or are you quoting a 20–30 week lead time? 

At MF Supply, inventory is backed by documentation, so you don’t have to choose between speed and compliance. 

Need DFARS-compliant screws fast and with paperwork? 

Send your part number, drawing, or BOM requirements. We’ll confirm the right spec, validate compliance, and quote the fastest safe path. 

And yes, “finding the right screw for you” isn’t just our tagline. It’s our favorite sport. 

Related:  

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

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. 

March, April, May Newsletter 2016

Posted: May 17, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: DPA, MarketShift, NJMEP, SBA Emerging Leaders, Supply chain - manufacturing | Tags: , , | Leave a comment
Newsletter

Volume 18

May 18, 2016

March, April, May News

Greetings and Happy Spring!  Can you believe we are almost one third into 2016!  On the business front, although the March PMI® index rose to 51.8% up from 48.2% in January, the April PMI®  fell to 50.8%, and the outlook in manufacturing remains mixed.

April’s PMI®  highlights are that new orders and production is growing, employment and inventories are contracting, and supplier deliveries are faster.

In this issue, we will cover some of the amazing resources available to the manufacturing and supply chain community.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1.    SBA EMERGING LEADERS-RUTGERS CASE STUDY

2.    MANUFACTURING RESOURCE ROUNDUP

3.    WHAT THE HECK IS A CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE?

4     MF SUPPLY JOINS DPA

5.    GOING LEAN?

SBA EMERGING LEADERS-RUTGERS CASE STUDY

April 27 was my final presentation from The RCG (Rutgers Business School Consulting Group).  I received a 30 page report with a few strong recommendations for growth. The RCG recommends that MF Supply expands our web site and offers ecommerce for our top products, starting yesterday.  They also projected that we will have the best ROI with email marketing rather than Social Media programs like Facebook and Twitter.

So we have begun reworking our website and you will start seeing more emails from us.  Please let us know what topics turn you on vs. what tunes you out.  Check out our newly edited  About Us section and let us know what you think.

How important is e-commerce for you and your company as a buyer and as a seller? Do you prefer to shop online or by emailing in your Purchase Orders?  And how about on the sales side?  Do your customers want to buy your products on-line?  Are your main competitors online?  All the industry experts say that industrial buyers are starting to expect their work buying experience to resemble their personal buying experience.  I am curious to know your thoughts.

Interesting note for anyone working with buyers with “Set Aside” or “Diverse” buying requirements (hint: think the government)  – the RCG hit a dead end while exploring leveraging MF Supply’s WOSB and WBE Certification as a differentiator.  Too bad – the certification process was a ton of paperwork!  If anyone out there is finding success differentiating yourself as a Small, Women, Minority, Veteran or other Disadvantaged business, I’d love to know how!

And, a big thank you to the SBA for connecting me to Rutgers and many other resources.

 

MANUFACTURERS RESOURCE ROUNDUP

NJMEP Programs – Since I last wrote, I’ve attended 2 NJMEP workshops on Lean and Six Sigma.  I highly recommend connecting with your state MEP.  We also hired experts from the NJMEP to lead the MF team through their Destination Innovation program.  Funded in part by the DOD, this program is intended to help companies in the Defense Department Supply chain grow in commercial sectors as DOD spending has decreased. They gave us tools to help define our unique value proposition and spur product innovation. One idea that came up was the concept of inventory planning for our customers.  I will be reaching out to you to gauge your interest in having MF Supply help you do inventory forecasting as a value added service.

Free Employee Training – Did you know there is free training available to your employees through state funded Workforce Development programs?  During the first 2 weeks in May, we sent Dave & Andy to Excel training at Bergen Community College in Paramus, compliments of the NJ taxpayers! Thanks everyone for helping us learn and grow! Email us to create a pivot table for you (just kidding!).  For more info about available programs in NJ, email Louisa Emirzian at lemirzian@bergen.edu.

Commerce and Industry Manufacturing Roundtable – On March 14, I participated in the CIANJ sponsored Manufacturing Roundtable at Triangle Manufacturing in Saddle River.  It’s a super cool facility that makes custom prosthetics and many other precision parts.  We learned that the State of NJ is developing workforce programs and making investments in the following industries: Advanced manufacturing, Logistics and Supply Chain.  Check out their Manufacturing Resource book for some great info.

Women in Manufacturing – A new chapter of WIM is being launched right here in New Jersey!  The first meeting was held at Sandvik Coromant on April 27th. If you know any women in manufacturing, please send them my way, I’d love to recruit them to join me and the growing NJ chapter.

Amazon in NJ – Amazon is opening 2 distribution centers right here in NJ and is planning to hire over 2000 people.  It’s not manufacturing, but it is logistics, which is a growth industry in NJ.  Very exciting!

What is Aerogistics? – Did you know that aerospace is growing and so are their logistic needs and supply chains? Hence, a new term: “Aerogistics” is coined.  Check out the amazing resources available through UPS that help inform on market trends and solutions in the aerospace logistics world.
WHAT THE HECK IS A COC?

Do you or your customers require a COC for your products?  Do you know if they are asking for a Certificate of Compliance or a Certificate of Conformance?  In April we attended Webinar training from the Fastener Training Institute which clarified some of the most common concepts when it comes to Certifications, Test Reports and Lot Traceability. Here are a few definitions for your enjoyment:

Certificate of Conformance – a record affirming a fastener has met the requirements of the relevant specification, contract or regulation.

Certificate of Compliance – a Certification of Conformance signed by an authorized party.

Material Test Report – a record signed by an authorized party, attesting the raw material is in accordance with specified requirements, including the actual results of required chemical analysis tests and examinations.

Lot – a batch of one part number, submitted for inspection at one time. The “lot” has been made from the same batch of raw material and parts have been produced together under the same conditions and heat treatment process.
MF SUPPLY JOINS DPA

As a member of the DPA Industrial family, MF Supply can now help you with more product categories and pass along fabulous savings on many more items including:

  • Industrial
  • Tools
  • Safety Equipment & Clothing
  • Packaging
  • Janitorial/Sanitorial

Please email me at sales@mfsupply.com to request a full catalog. We’re eager to see if we can help save you time and money by becoming a single source for more of your industrial needs.
GOING LEAN REVISITED

So far this year I have attended informational training in the disciplines of Six Sigma, Lean Operations and Production and Inventory Management planning.  We are determining which area has the best ROI – for ourselves and our customers and are interested in your feedback.

Are the members of your team certified in any of these areas?  Have you gotten value from your continuing education and are you using it to make improvements in your company? I’d love to hear from you regarding this topic.

Regards,

Robin Lieberman

President

robin@mfsupply.com