Ultimate Guide: Inch, Metric, and Mil-Spec Precision Shoulder Screws Cross Reference Charts and Guide

Posted: July 25, 2024 | Author: | Filed under: Cross Reference Charts, DFARS, Functional Equivalents, Mil-Spec, MS51575, MS51576, Precision Shoulder Screws, Shoulder Bolts, Shoulder Screws | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

At MF Supply, we spend a lot of time sourcing hard to find, back ordered, expensive, or out-of-stock OEM hardware brands. We do this in order to save money and to reduce long lead times for our customers, without sacrificing quality. One of our core competencies is crossing brand names to functionally equivalent parts that maybe Mil-spec, alternative brands or generic parts.

What Is a Functional Equivalent Fastener?

In the fastener industry, a functional equivalent fastener is a component/part that matches a brand-name product in form, fit, and function, including material and plating specifications, but is produced by a different manufacturer. As a result, the industrial marketplace features a myriad of fasteners and components that are registered under various trademark brands, but that offer the same functionality. This, in turn, allows you to achieve the same product performance and quality desired at a potential lower cost and with shorter lead times than you would get with fasteners from well know or expensive brands.

Does My OEM Brand Have A Functional Equivalent or Alternative Fastener?

Many OEM brands available in the industry today have generic functional equivalents or alternatives. Below is a comprehensive list of popular brand names that show up quite often in the fasteners space and that have generic equivalent or alternative options to their OEM branded products:

3 Star Rivets USA, ABBATRON®, ALCOA, AMATOM®, APEX®, ARCONIC®, ATLAS®, AVDEL®, AVK®, B. F. GOODRICH, BOLLHOFF, BUCKEYE, CAPTIVE, CELUS®, CHERRY®, CONCORD, FASTENAL, GESIPA®, GLOBE ELECTRONICS, GRIPCO®, H. H. SMITH, HELICOIL®, HOWMET, HUCK, INDUX, INTERFAST, KATO®, KEENSERT®, KEYSTONE, LOCTITE®, LYN-TRON, MACLEAN­ ESNA®, MARSON®, MCMASTER-CARR, MISUMI, MSC INDUSTRIAL, PEM®, PIC DESIGN®, POP®, POWERS®, QUICKSCREWS, RAF, RECOIL®, RED HEAD®, ROTOR CLIP®, SHEREX, SIMPSON, SOUTHCO®, SPS TECHNOLOGIES, TINNERMAN®, U. S. ANCHOR, UNICORP, VIP, W. M. BERG, W. W. GRAINGER, WALDES TRUARC®.

Do Precision Shoulder Screws Have Functional Equivalents?

Yes! Precisions shoulder screws, also known in the industry as just shoulder screws or tight tolerance shoulder screws, do have functional equivalents. In fact, one surefire way to save money and shorten delivery time is to cross the OEM branded precision shoulder screw on your bill of materials to a functional equivalent.

Popular brands in the precision shoulder screws space include: Amatom, Cambion, Concord, Globe, HH Smith, Keystone, Lyn-tron, Misumi, Pic Design, RAF, and WM Berg. A comprehensive selection of Precision Shoulder Screws is also offered by McMaster-Carr, MSC, and Grainger.

Let’s take, for example, the following inch/imperial sized precision shoulder screw: 3/16” shoulder diameter x 1” long x 8-32 thread in SS18-8 (300 Series) with a hex-socket drive. This shoulder screw is offered by the seven brands listed below under the following part numbers:

  • Grainger: 6JY20
  • Lyn-tron: SS7431-00
  • McMaster-Carr: 94035A208
  • MSC Industrial: 67313726
  • Pic Design: 4423
  • RAF: 6931-SS
  • WM Berg: PZ-14-3

You can also locate precision shoulder screws by Mil-Spec numbers, which include MS51575 and MS51576; all of which are DFARS compliant with full paperwork/documentation. The above mentioned shoulder screw or part, for instance, is equivalent to a Mil-Spec MS51576-14.

At MF Supply, we offer an extensive cross-reference guide to help you discover the ideal alternative for your requirements. Explore our most popular precision shoulder screws cross reference charts below to find functional equivalents to your OEM-branded products!

Precision Shoulder Screws Cross-Reference Charts: Find OEM Brands and Functional Equivalents

Precision Inch Shoulder Screws with Hex & Slotted Drives in 416 Series Stainless Steel – Cross Reference Charts

Precision inch hex socket shoulder screws and precision inch slotted shoulder screws are available in 416 Series Stainless Steel. Stock sizes include 1/8 through 1/2 diameters.

Precision Inch Shoulder Screws with Hex & Slotted Drives in 300 Series Stainless Steel – Cross Reference Charts

Precision inch hex socket shoulder screws and precision inch slotted shoulder screws are also available in 300 Series Stainless Steel. Stock sizes include 1/8 through 1/2 diameters.

Precision Metric Shoulder Screws with Hex Drive in 18-8, 300 & 416 Series Stainless Steel – Cross Reference Charts

Precision metric hex socket shoulder screws are available in 18-8, 300 & 416 Series Stainless Steel. Stock sizes include M4 through M12 diameters.

Precision Metric Shoulder Screws with Slotted Drive in 18-8, 300 & 416 Series Stainless Steel – Cross Reference Charts

Precision metric slotted socket shoulder screws are available in 18-8, 300 & 416 Series Stainless Steel. Stock sizes include M4 through M12 diameters.

Precision Mil Spec Shoulder Screws with Hex Drive in 300 Series Stainless Steel – MS51576 – Cross Reference Charts

Precision Mil-Spec hex socket shoulder screws, MS51576, are available in 300 Series Stainless Steel. Stock sizes include 4-40 through 3/8-16 diameters.

Precision Mil Spec Shoulder Screws with Slotted Drive in 300 Series Stainless Steel – MS51575 – Cross Reference Charts

Precision Mil-Spec slotted socket shoulder screws, MS51575, are available in 300 Series Stainless Steel. Stock sizes include 1/8 through 1/2 diameters.

Using functional equivalents, including generics and other OEM brands’ versions of precision shoulder screws, is a practice smart manufacturer’s often use to save money and shorten lead times!

Precision Shoulder Screws at MF Supply

MF Supply is a leading supplier of precision shoulder screws including major brands and equivalents. We stock a huge inventory including parts that are commercial and mil-spec. Our Mil-Spec products are DFAR compliant with COC and full certifications available upon request.

Precision shoulder screws are available in imperial, mil-spec, and metric sizes, and in type 18-8/303, 300 Stainless Steel and in 416 Stainless Steel – 316 Stainless Steel, Alloy and other exotic materials are also available for special order.

Product Lines Include:

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 product catalog, including our 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.

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.  

Ultimate Guide for Using Functional Equivalents to OEM Fastener Brands in 2023

Posted: February 16, 2023 | Author: | Filed under: Functional Equivalent, Sourcing, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | 5 Comments

At MF Supply, we spend a lot of time sourcing hard to find, back ordered, expensive, or out-of-stock OEM hardware brands. We do this in order to save money and to reduce long lead times for our customers, without sacrificing quality.

Just like in the pharmaceutical world, where there are brand names that everyone knows, there are also generic alternatives that are functional equivalents. This is true for the hardware industry too!

6 Things to Know when Comparing Fastener Brands to Generic Alternatives

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.

6. MF Supply Case Studies for Functional Equivalents

  • Precision Shoulder Screw Functional Equivalents: In this case study, you can learn how one OEM branded precision shoulder screw has eight (yes 8!) functional equivalents.
  • Keensert Functional Equivalents: In this case study, we highlight how we helped a defense supplier save 59% and cut delivery time from 28 weeks down to 5 weeks.

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!

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

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/37Yp0F6

Your Ultimate Functional Equivalent Cheat Sheet

Posted: June 9, 2022 | Author: | Filed under: Functional Equivalent, Sourcing, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

At MF Supply, we spend a lot of time sourcing hard to find, back ordered, expensive, or out-of-stock OEM hardware brands. We do this in order to save money and to reduce long lead times for our customers, without sacrificing quality.

Read More https://conta.cc/37Yp0F6

Keensert Functional Equivalent Case Study

Posted: March 23, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

We had a customer who was bidding on a job for subassembly for a Defense Department manufacturer. Their bill of materials called for a floating insert in A286 steel with an OEM part number: KNKDL428JT.

This part is an Alcoa part that would not have been delivered for over 29 weeks – that’s more than half of a year! Not only would these parts take way too long, but they were also very expensive.

Functional Equivalents for Keenserts

So, this customer came to us for a solution. We were able to take their print, cross-reference their BOM, and find the functional equivalents they needed.

  • Note: Supplying us with your print is extremely important so that we can determine the internal and external threats, the material in all of the specifications for this key locking insert.

We went to our manufacturer, who was able to provide this part in five weeks with full certifications and a certificate of conformance certifying that it was a functional equivalent to the KNK part.

Why Choose MF Supply for Functional Equivalents?

By providing the functional equivalent, we were able to shorten the delivery time from 29 weeks down to five weeks. We obtained a cost savings of 59%. Our customer won the job. Their work was completed on time. The job was more profitable due to the cost savings. The manufacturer was able to pass those savings on to the end-user, and the job has been a repeater, and it’s been profitable for everyone involved.

If you find yourself in this situation and you’d like to evaluate if a functional equivalent is available for your application, or if you’d like to explore if you can save time and money while maintaining quality by using functional equivalence, our team is here for you!

Learn More About MF Supply

We specialize in hardware solutions for many industries! If you have any questions about our products, please contact us today and continue to explore our website.

You can also read about other case studies for functional equivalents here:

Hardware Functional Equivalents and Sourcing Experts

Posted: December 2, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: Brand equivalents | Tags: , , | 2 Comments

At MF Supply, we spent a lot of time sourcing hard to find, back ordered, expensive, or out-of-stock OEM hardware brands. We do this in order to save money and to reduce long lead times for our customers.

Just like in the pharmaceutical world, where there are brand names that everyone knows, there are also generic brands that are functional equivalents. This is true for the hardware industry too!

What is a Functional Equivalent?

Some brand-name fasteners are also available as functional equivalents, also referred to as crossed, generics, or alternatives. These are parts that are the same in form, fit, function, material, and specifications as the brand name.

Functional Equivalents Examples and Case Studies

Below are two case studies showing how using functional equivalents has saved a lot of manufacturers a lot of money and time.

Case Study: Precision Shoulder Screw Functional Equivalent

In this case study, you can learn more about precision shoulder screw functional equivalents.

Case Study: Keensert Functional Equivalents

In this case study, you can see that smart manufacturers use brand equivalents to save time and money!

Should You Use Functional Equivalents?

On our website, we offer some of our different product reference charts that actually show you the different part numbers that all our functional equivalents.
Check it out here!

Four Point Check Checklist

  • Check your BOM- Does it call for an OEM brand?
  • Are the Lead Times going to hinder your timeline? Will having the part sooner improve the delivery of your final product.
  • Will your supplier provide you with the certificate of conformance to certify that the part is a functional equivalent to the original brand you are looking for?
  • Will saving money help you be more competitive in your market?

Learn More About MF Supply

If you are interested in learning more about saving time and money with functional equivalents, contact us at MF Supply today!