Case Study: Avoiding a 26-Week Delay with Stocked DFARS Screws
Posted: December 16, 2025 Filed under: DFARS, Domestic Fasteners, keensert, key-locking inserts, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Socket Head Cap Screw, Socket Products | Tags: Case Study, Certificate of conformance, COC, DFARS Compliant, Domestic Fasteners, manufacturing, Mil-spec, Mil-spec fasteners, Mil-Spec Fasteners Cross-Reference, Mil-Spec Fasteners Distributor, Mil-Spec Fasteners Supplier, Mil-Spec Socket Cap Screws, MTRs, Precision Engineering, Precision Manufacturers, Socket Head Cap Screw 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:
- Convert the requirement into the correct Mil-Spec / spec-controlled equivalent (form/fit/function + compliance + paperwork).
- 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:
- MF Supply Cross-reference playbook
- Buyer’s Guide to Mil-Spec Fasteners
- Mil-Spec DFARS!? What the heck is that?
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.
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.
How to Use MF Supply’s Cross-Reference Tables to Find Equivalent Fasteners Faster
Posted: November 18, 2025 Filed under: Branded Fasteners, Commercial Fasteners, Cross Reference Charts, dowel pin, E-Z LOK, Functional Equivalents, helical wire inserts, keensert, key-locking inserts, Metric Fasteners, Mil-Spec, Mil-Spec Electronic Hardware, Mil-Spec Fasteners, Precision Shoulder Screws, Threaded Inserts | Tags: Hardware, Helical Inserts Cross Reference, Keenserts, Keenserts Cross Reference, manufacturing, Metric Fasteners Cross-Reference, Mil-Spec Fasteners Cross-Reference, MS51830, ms51831, MS51832, Precision Engineering, Precision Manufacturers, Precision Shoulder Screws Cross Reference, threaded inserts Leave a comment
Many popular fastener brands, from Keensert® key-locking inserts to precision shoulder screws, have alternative form-fit-function equivalents available in Mil-Spec, commercial or generic versions. The fastest way to identify the right alternative without guessing is by using cross-reference tables.
At MF Supply, we’ve built and curated multiple product-specific cross-reference tables so buyers can confidently match OEM brands, Mil-Spec part numbers, and generic equivalents, saving time, money, and lead time risk, while maintaining quality and compliance.
Below is your quick-start playbook.
What Product Categories Have Cross-Reference Tables?
We currently publish, maintain, or reference cross-reference data for high-demand categories. On our website, the Inch, Mil-Spec & Metric Fasteners Cross-Reference Charts category serves as your central hub. Once there, you can drill down into specific product families:
- Helical Inserts
- Hex Head Cap Screws
- Keensert® style threaded inserts
- Knurled Thumb Screws
- Precision Dowel Pins
- Precision Shoulder Screws
- Retaining Rings
- Self-Clinching Fasteners (nuts, studs & standoffs)
- Spacers (round & hex)
- Standoffs (round & hex)
- Threaded Inserts for Metal (E-Z LOK equivalents)
Each product family/category links to cross-reference charts that map:
- OEM brand part numbers/products
- Mil-Spec (MS, NAS, MA, NA) series (if applicable)
- Generic functional equivalents
- Sizes, materials and other specifications
Popular product 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.
Brands Commonly Included in Cross-Reference Comparisons
3 STAR RIVETS USA, ABBATRON®, ALCOA, AMATOM®, APEX®, ARCONIC®, ATLAS®, AVDEL®, AVK®, B. F. GOODRICH, BOLLHOFF, BUCKEYE, CAPTIVE, CELUS®, CHERRY®, CONCORD, EZ-Lok, FASTENAL, GESIPA®, GRIPCO®, GLOBE ELECTRONICS, GRAINGER, H. H. SMITH, HOWMET, HUCK, INDUX, INTERFAST, KEENSERT®, 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®, UNICORP, U. S. ANCHOR. VIP, W. M. BERG, W. W. GRAINGER, WALDES TRUARC® and many more.
How to Use Our Cross-Reference Tables (5-Step Method)
When you’re chasing cost savings, cutting lead time, or finding a compliant alternative, our cross-reference charts make it fast and fail-proof. Here’s the playbook:
- Visit our Cross-Reference Hub
Head to the Inch, Mil-Spec & Metric Fastener Cross-Reference Charts on mfsupply.com. - Select Your Product Category
Pick the family you’re working with (Keenserts®, shoulder screws, dowel pins, etc.). - Locate Your Identifier
Find the OEM brand part number or Mil-Spec/NAS/MA/NA code inside the chart. - Match the Technical Requirements
Click through to the referenced item and verify the functional equivalency: material, plating/finish, thread/diameter, length, fit/series, and any spec callouts. - Order or Request a Quote With Requirements
Purchase online or submit an RFQ — and let us know if you need COC, MTR, DFARS, REACH/RoHS, Country of Origin, or other compliance docs.
When to Cross vs. When to Stay On Brand
Fastener buyers often ask: How can I determine if I must use the brand name or if I can cross to a generic part?
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?
Do not cross when:
- The BOM mandates the OEM brand, and the end customer may not be flexible
- Traceability or contract terms prohibit substitution
Case Studies Proving It Works
| Product Type | Result | Savings | Lead-Time Impact |
| Precision Shoulder Screw | Crossed to 8 valid equivalents | Major cost reduction | Immediate availability |
| Keensert® Key-Locking Insert | Crossed to Mil-Spec equivalent | 59% saving | 28 weeks → 5 weeks |
Need Help? We’ll Build the Cross For You
If you’re unsure, send us the part number, drawing, photo, or BOM section. We’ll match it, validate compliance, and offer your best-value, best-availability option.
Email RFQs to: sales@mfsupply.com
“Finding the right screw for you” is our tagline 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.
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.