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: , , | Leave a 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!

Keenserts: Inch and MIL-SPEC Keylocking Inserts

Posted: August 20, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: keensert, key-locking inserts | Tags: , | Leave a comment

What is a Keensert?

A Keensert is a small bushing style insert that is threaded both inside and out, with wedges or little keys that are attached to the top of the insert. This small piece of hardware is generally used to distribute loads and to strengthen or repair threads against failure due to stripping, seizing, or corrosion.

When is a Keensert Used?

They are used in environments that have a lot of vibration, torque, and even in high-temperature applications. They are also sometimes used in applications where a fastener has to be taken out, replaced, or it has to be reassembled.

What Size and Material Keenserts Does MF Supply Sell?

Our Keenserts come in a variety of sizes and materials; you can view our entire selection on our online store here.

Need to cross your part number to find the right Keensert for your needs? Use our Mil-Spec & Inch Keensert Cross Reference charts!

Why Choose MF Supply for Your Keenserts?

We specialize in the military version of Keenserts, so we carry the MS51830 series, which is an equivalent to the KN and KNC series. These are a high demand Keensert.

They come with full paperwork and traceability. The majority of those our Keensert are stainless steel, but you can get them in a variety of materials and sizes.

Another huge benefit is that we stop-limit our distribution centers around the country so we can drop ship them at a moment’s notice, so there is no delay.

Learn More About Fasteners from MF Supply

If you are looking for a quick and reliable fasteners distributor, MF Supply is a leading supplier of Inch & Mil-Spec keylocking inserts. Contact us today to learn more!

August 2015 Newsletter

Posted: August 24, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Supply chain - manufacturing | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Newsletter

Volume 15

August 25, 2015

 

August News

 

We hope this email finds you well and business is booming!  I’m writing to thank you for your business, update you on what’s happening here at MF Supply and ask for your feedback.

We’ve been busy!  Recently, MF Supply renewed both our Woman Owned Business Certification [WBE] and our status as federal supplier [Cage Code 58QG4].  So exciting!  In April, I was selected to the SBA Emerging Leaders class of 2015.  In June, I spoke about Pay per Click advertising at the NJTMA conference, and in September, I am scheduled to speak at training at Festo Didactic in Eatontown, NJ.

OUR THREE CURRENT INITIATIVES

As part of our growth plan, I am currently working on three initiatives: 1) Building upon our business relationships with existing loyal clients like you; 2) Growing our business through referrals from clients and referral partners; and 3) Thought leadership and helping the American manufacturing community grow.  Today, I am reaching out regarding initiative #1.

Recently, I was interviewing a great client for one of my SBA-EL projects.  After over 20 years of business together, he was not 100% familiar with the full scope of MF Supply’s capabilities.  One of the questions I asked him was, “Does our marketing material encourage you to make a purchase?” His response was, “I don’t think I am familiar with your marketing material.”  SHAME ON US!  That is the lead in to the next section of this newsletter.

HELP US HELP YOU

Take a moment and think about two questions:

1) Are you familiar with all the products we can help you with and all the problems we can solve for you?

2) Do you have a wish list or feedback regarding other products or services where we might add value?

 

We continually expand our product line, and have recently added Spring Plungers, EZ-Lok inserts, Keenserts, Military and Domestic Dowel Pins, a full line of Mil-spec DFAR products with full certifications, Retaining and much more!    As a reminder, below is a list of some of the things we do to save you time and money, and to make the buying process easier:

  • McMaster-Carr, Grainger, MSC, Newark Electronics, Fastenal – We can help you save on stainless steel, metric, inserts, dowel pins, retaining rings, loctite alternatives and more!
  • Alternatives to expensive brand name fasteners – we can help you save thousands of dollars on alternatives to Concord, RAF, Southco, PEM, Heli-coil, Loctite and many others!
  • Sourcing hard to find parts quickly – Let us do the hard work for you and save you precious time.
  • Custom manufacturing/Short lead times needed – Send us your prints and let us show you what we can do, fast, right here in the USA.
  • Domestic and Mil-spec – Try us for your domestic, DFARS and military needs. We are tremendously excellent at Stainless Steel, Keenserts, Helical Inserts and Dowel Pins!
  • Industrial Rubber products- Including hoses, hose clamps, gaskets, o-rings and more.
  • Our Brands-  Amatom/Carey, Captive (Pem), Chrislynn Inserts,Concord, EZ-Lok, Lyn-tron, Microplastics, Shear-loc, S&M Retaining Rings, Unicorp and we are a supply chain partner to many others!

EASY WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU IMMEDIATELY

Please send us samples, prints and competitor’s or manufacturer’s part numbers to quote. We look forward to the opportunity to knock your socks off by helping you with both existing and new products and services.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

MF Supply is a distributor of Vibra-Tite  threadlocking products, one of the world’s market leaders in anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies and ultra-violet technologies.Vibra-Tite materials can be compared to other name brand products like Loctite, but at a COST SAVING OF UP TO 40%.  Send us your Loctite RFQs so you can do a comparison.

COMIC RELIEF

I’d like to close this Newsletter with some comic relief.  Enjoy the video by clicking here!

Regards,

 

Robin Lieberman

President

robin@mfsupply.com

P.S.  If you would like to chat about the SBA-Emerging Leaders class and learn more about some of the amazing books  (Duct Tape Marketing) and resources (the UCEDC) I’ve accessed through the class – shoot me an email.  I love to share! –