Your Ultimate Functional Equivalent Cheat Sheet

Posted: June 9, 2022 | Author: | Filed under: 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

Custom Made & Reworked Fasteners

Posted: August 13, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: Custom Fasteners per print, Domestic Fasteners | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

When off-the-shelf fasteners are not the right fit for an application, engineers and designers may require Custom Made fasteners. This may be for a prototype, a replacement of an existing part, or for a large-scale production run.  Learn more about what they are and how to get an accurate quote below.

Custom Made & Reworked Fasteners at MF Supply https://conta.cc/3AiegcZ

Floating Inserts Now Available!

Posted: June 17, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Floating Key-locking Inserts are often used to help compensate for uneven surfaces which need alignment, and where expansion and contraction are an issue. We offer the KNK series in both locking and non-locking styles from size 2-56 through 1/2-13 in A286, 300 Series Stainless Steel and 4140 Alloy Steel.

Floating Keenserts Available At MF Supply https://conta.cc/3pS3Cpx

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 8286 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:

What is the Difference Between a Keensert and a Helical Insert?

Posted: March 16, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: helical wire inserts, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

What is a Helical Inset?

A Helical wire insert is a spring-like precision form wire coil that provides a permanent thread that’s stronger than the parent material. They are also often called a screw thread insert or a Helical insert, but the popular brand name is Heli-Coil, a registered trademark of Emhart Teknologies.

What is a KeyLocking Insert?

A key-locking insert is a solid bushing style insert that is threaded on the inside and the outside with keys on the top. It’s commonly called a Keensert or Keysert, and these are the registered trademark names of Huck Patents and Alcoa Fastening Systems.

Why Would I Use a Helical Insert vs. a Keensert, and Vice Versa?

  • Strength: A key-locking insert is much stronger than a helical insert, particularly in high temperature and high torque environments.
  • Ease of Install: A key-locking insert is easier to install than a helical wire insert.
  • Price: A wire insert is much less expensive than a key-locking insert.

When Would I Use a Keensert?

In a heavy-ware, high vibration, high heat situation when you don’t need to save space and the whole depth is not a key consideration. The key-locking insert is the way to go.

When Would I Use a Helical Insert?

If you need to reduce costs, you’re minimizing space. The Helical wire insert is the way to go. They’re very useful for creating a permanent, strong thread and softer material like aluminum or titanium. And they’re best suited to the lower heat environments.

Learn more about the difference between key-locking inserts and helical wire inserts here!

Learn More About Keenserts vs. Helical Inserts

If you are interested in learning more about our Keensert and Helical Insert product offerings, contact us today! If you’re ready to place your order, check out our products here!

Keensert Installation Tool Kits

Posted: February 23, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Keenserts are very small but very strong key locking inserts used across many industries, especially in aerospace and precision manufacturing. While Keenserts are easy to install, it is essential to have all of the necessary tools to properly install them.

What Hole Size and Tools do I Need to Install My Keenserts Manually?

This is a common question we receive from manufacturers, so today, we are going to share everything you need to know to install your key locking inserts.

Prior to installing a key locking insert, you have to check with the supplier to make sure you have the proper drill and tap. Each part number has its own combination of drill and tap. This is really important, and it’s based on the outside and inside diameter.

Check out our Keensert Buyer’s Guide, Keensert Cross-Reference Guides, and How to Manually Install Keenserts.

Commercial or Military Key Locking Inserts?

It’s also important to note that each key locking insert has different types of thread depending upon their military or commercial. So, prior to installing the inserts, you need to have the following information…

  • Nose assembly.
  • Drill and tap size for the insert you’re installing.
  • The fastener you’re installing.

Tools For Keensert Installation:

  • Drill
  • Drill Bit
  • Drill or Tap Wrench
  • Tap
  • Countersink Tool
  • Keensert Installation Tool
  • Hammer

What is a Broaching Tool, and When Will I Need One?

A broaching tool is an extra installation tool that is used for very hard parent materials such as A286 or A4140. The purpose of the broach is to create slots for the keys in the parent material when the regular tools won’t cut it.

Hydro-Pneumatic Keensert Installation Tool

If you are installing key locking inserts by the 1,000s, then the pneumatic tool is a better option for installation. Learn more here.

Learn More About Keensert Installation

If you would like to learn more about our key locking inserts or any of our other hardware products, continue to browse our website and contact us today!

Installing Key Locking Inserts with Pneumatic Power Tools

Posted: February 18, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

In last week’s blog, we discussed when and how to install key locking inserts manually. If you have a few hundred inserts to install, the manual process is fine. However, if you are installing these Keenserts by the thousands, then you will want to use a pneumatic power tool to speed up the processes.

How to Install Keenserts with a Pneumatic Tool

  • The beginning of the installation process is the same as a manual installation.
  • Drill and Countersink the Material
  • Tap the Material
  • Manually Insert the Key Locking Insert
  • The next step is to use the power tool to simply screw the key into place.

You can see how this process can save you so much valuable time if you are installing the key locking inserts by the thousands!

Keensert Installation Tool Kit

We offer the pneumatic power tool you need to quickly assemble your key locking inserts! Check them out here.

Learn More About MF Supply

MF Supply is your go-to for all of your hardware and safety needs! Continue to browse our website and contact us today if you would like to learn more!

How to Manually Install Key Locking Inserts

Posted: February 15, 2021 | Author: | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

What is a Keensert?

A Keensert or key locking insert is a solid bushing style insert that is threaded on both the inside and the outside and has wedges or “keys” attached at the top. These inserts are used to distribute loads and repair or strengthen threads against failures due to stripping, seizing or corrosion. They are commonly used in precision manufacturing and aerospace applications.

Check out our Buyer’s Guide to Keenserts!

What is the Best Way to Install Keenserts?

There are a few methods used to install key locking inserts. Manual installation is best for assemblies that are in the hundreds, but if you are installing a lot of Keenserts, pneumatic installation is the way to go.

Keensert Manual Installation

  1. Drill and Countersink the Material
  2. Tap the Material
  3. Manually Insert the Key Locking Insert
  4. Use the Installation Tool to Drive the Keensert

Here is the full installation clip from the video.

Stay Tuned and Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about our hardware, check out our other blogs and browse our products online. If you would like to learn how to install Keenserts with pneumatic tools, stay tuned for next week’s blog!

Hardware Functional Equivalents and Sourcing Experts

Posted: December 2, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: Brand equivalents | Tags: , , | 1 Comment

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!

Metric Keenserts

Posted: November 24, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: keensert | Tags: , | Leave a comment

What is a Keensert?

A keensert is a small, bushing style insert that is threading on the inside and outside, with external wedges called keys. Keenserts are a piece of hardware used to distribute loads and to strengthen or repair threads against failure due to stripping, seizing, or corrosion. They are often used in high vibration environments such as instrument panels on airplanes.

Metric Keensert Style

Metric keenserts come in a variety of styles, each with many sizes and materials.

  • Miniature Keenserts
  • Thinwall Keenserts
  • Heavy Duty Keenserts
  • Solid Keenserts

Keensert Cross-Reference

Keensert® Cross-Reference – 4140 Alloy, A286, & Mil-Spec
Keensert® Cross-Reference – Stainless Steel

Quantities of Keenserts from MF Supply

We sell our keenserts in orders as small as 5 pieces all the way 2,500 or more. The more you buy, the more you save!

Learn More About Hardware with MF Supply

MF Supply is your one-stop-shop for all of your hardware needs! Contact us today if you have any questions about our keenserts!

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