Inch & Metric Nitronic Keenserts® Now Available at www.mfsupply.com!

In the bustling world of manufacturing and engineering, where every component counts and the margin for error is slim, MF Supply recognizes the intricacy involved in sourcing materials that offer both superior performance and extended durability. This is where our friends, the Key-locking Inserts (AKA Keenserts®) become the stars of the show. Today, we’re turning the spotlight on an insert that’s been making waves in the industry: the Nitronic 60 Key-locking Insert!

If you’re on the quest for Key-locking Inserts that promise to elevate the integrity of your projects, you’re in the right place. Nitronic 60 key-locking Inserts are not just components; they’re your peace of mind molded into high-performance alloy.

Why Nitronic 60 Key-locking Inserts? The Vanguard of Resilience

Picture a material that laughs in the face of wear, shrugs off corrosion, and doesn’t flinch under high torque. That’s Nitronic 60 for you — an alloy steel that’s as tough as they come. Crafted from this robust alloy, Nitronic Key-locking Inserts boast unparalleled wear and galling resistance. For those of you constantly battling the wear and tear that comes with mechanical demands, these threaded inserts are your knights in shining armor. Think of them as the silent guardians against the everyday wear-and-tear that can compromise your work.

The Rust Doesn’t Sleep, But You Can

Corrosion is the arch-nemesis of metal, lurking and waiting to undermine your structures. But with Nitronic 60’s exceptional corrosion resistance, rest easy knowing that your components are as steadfast as your ambition. Whether it’s the salty bath of marine environments or the demanding conditions of chemical processing, they’ve got you covered.

Strength That Speaks Volumes

Nitronic 60 Key-locking Inserts don’t just resist wear; they embrace strength. High stress, high torque — bring it on! The formidable might of Nitronic 60 makes these Key-locking Inserts the backbone for applications that can’t afford to falter, from the aerospace zeniths to the depths of automotive innovation.

The Nitronic 60 Difference

We hear you asking, “But how do they stack up against other materials?” Here’s the deal:

Nitronic 60, as a material, is a high-performance stainless steel alloy known for its excellent strength and resistance to wear and galling. This versatile alloy provides exceptional resistance to high temperature oxidation, crevice corrosion and general corrosion, making it well suited to marine and chemical applications. Key-locking inserts made from Nitronic 60 are used in various applications where high strength and corrosion resistance are a must.

  • Carbon Steel Inserts: Compared to standard steel, Nitronic 60 offers superior resistance to corrosion and galling.
  • Stainless Steel Inserts: Among stainless steels, Nitronic 60 typically outperforms varieties such as 304 or 316 in wear resistance.
  • Inconel Inserts: Inconel excels in high-temperature applications but comes at a higher cost and greater machining difficulty than Nitronic 60.
  • 4140 Alloy Inserts: 4140 Alloy provides greater tensile strength and enhanced performance at high temperatures, although it falls short in corrosion resistance and often necessitates protective coatings. Nitronic 60 is better suited for applications involving friction at moderate temperatures.
  • A286 Inserts: A286 excels in high-temperature applications, maintaining higher strength at elevated temperatures, though it’s tougher to machine and more expensive than Nitronic 60.

A Spectrum of Possibilities

We’re not about “one-size-fits-all” because we know your engineering needs are as unique as your blueprints. That’s why we offer Key-locking Inserts in inch, mil-spec and metric sizes that are tailored to the scope and scale of your vision — common internal diameters include #2-56 through 1 1/2-6 for inch & mil-spec sizes, and M2 through M24 for metric sizes. And with varying lengths at your disposal, the only limit is the application and your imagination. Materials

Compliance with stringent industry standards is not just a promise; it’s our practice. Our inserts meet or exceed critical aerospace and military specifications, ensuring that they deliver in applications where there is no room for error. Standards available include MS51830, MS51831, MS51832, NAS1394 and NAS1395. Series available include Miniature KNC, Thin Wall KN & KNM, heavy-duty KNH & KNHM, and extra heavy-duty series KNHXH.

Whether you’re in aerospace, automotive, defense, or any field that demands unyielding materials, these inserts are ready to serve. They’re the go-to for applications that require repeated assembly and disassembly, ensuring longevity and reliability every step of the way.

Discover More, Achieve More

MF Supply is a WBE/WOSB certified business, and a trusted supplier of Nitronic 60 Key-locking Inserts (AKA Keenserts®) for manufacturers, government and industry. Eager to delve deeper into the world of Nitronic 60 Key-locking Inserts? Visit our website, where innovation is just a click away, and join the ranks of manufacturers and engineers who don’t just build, but inspire.

With Nitronic 60 Key-locking Inserts, it’s not just about holding things together; it’s about unlocking possibilities. Discover the sizes, standards, and the success that our inserts can enable.

Inch & Mil-Spec Nitronic 60 Key-locking Inserts

Metric Nitronic 60 Key-locking Inserts

Do you still have questions or would like to speak with a representative? Reach out to us, and our MF Supply team of sourcing experts will help you find what you’re looking for. “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

Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply

  • Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online.  We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
  • Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers. 
  • Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
  • Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts and specialize in hard to find parts. We offer custom manufacturing and reworking solutions at competitive pricing, reducing long deliveries.
  • One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
  • WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.

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. 


MF Supply Expands Online Product Catalog to 22,189 Unique Items and Counting!

Greetings to our precision manufacturing community!

MF Supply is a leading WOSB / WBE Certified distributor of commercial, mil-spec and custom made fasteners. With a legacy of over half a century and a reputation for continuously evolving to meet our customers’ needs, we are thrilled to announce the recent expansion of our online catalog to include a whopping 22,189 unique items! Our updated catalog now includes Holo-Krome branded products, non-standard, domestic and DFAR Socket Cap Screws, an extensive list of Bolts, and more Thread Rolling & Thread Forming Screws.

We are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of manufacturers. With this strategic expansion, we underscore our commitment to as a comprehensive one-stop shop for commercial and mil-spec fasteners and hardware for industrial and precision manufacturers, ensuring our customers have a seamless and efficient purchasing experience online and offline.

New Product Highlights:

1. Socket Cap Screws:  We have always stocked and sourced a variety of imported, domestic and mil-spec socket cap screws. Our recent expansion in this category include standard and nonstandard sizes, and a variety of standard and exotic materials. We are now offering more Button Head, Flat Head, Flat Head 100 degree, Low Head and Standard Socket head cap screws in a wider choice of materials including: A286, Brass, Inconel, Silicon Bronze, and 316 Stainless Steel, in addition to regular Alloy and 18-8 Stainless Steel. 

2. Bolts: Our selection of bolts has undergone a significant enhancement and now includes 18 Bolt categories, in multiple sizes and materials. Materials offered include Steel, B7 Alloy, Stainless Steel, 316 Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Silicon Bronze, A2, A4, Brass, Inconel and Nickel-Copper. Our 18 bolts’ categories include:

3. Holo-Krome Products: We are proud to announce the inclusion of Holo-Krome brand fasteners to our catalog. Holo-Krome, a reputable domestic OEM, is well known for their extensive offering of quality products within the Socket Products segment. We introduce the following Holo-Krome products that are now available for purchase directly in our website: Dowel Pins, Hex Socket Shoulder Screws, Socket Cap Screws, Allenuts, Socket Jam Screws, Socket Pressure Plugs, and Socket Set Screws. 

4. Thread Rolling / Thread Forming Screws: We also expanded our online offering to now include over 2.7K alternatives to Plastite® & Taptite® Screws. Our recent expansion in this category include more Steel, Black Oxide and Stainless Steel screws. Our off the shelf products are ready to ship from multiple warehouses across the USA, and include:

By bolstering our product offering in these key areas, we aim to be the preferred supplier for manufacturers in various sectors, including: aerospace, OEMS of instrumentation, equipment and machines, architectural metal and glass, sheet metal fabrication, contract manufacturers, lighting, furniture, and elevators.

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 find what you need. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

“At MF Supply, we understand the dynamic needs of the manufacturing industry, including the balance of price, quality, availability and certification paperwork. The expansion of our product catalog demonstrates our commitment to being a one-stop solution for all fastener needs. Whether it’s standard fasteners, specialized custom hardware, mil-spec parts or OEM brand names like the trusted Holo-Krome brand, we have it all under one roof.” – Robin Lieberman, President of MF Supply.


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

Six Reasons To Buy From MF Supply

  • Full eCommerce Enabled Website With Technical Manual Available 24/7 – Visit our website and Create a New Account, track online orders, browse our product catalog, check technical specs, subscribe to our blog, or buy online.  We are adding items and improving functionality daily!
  • Same Day Shipping From The USA – Our hardware products are in stock and ship to you directly from our USA based distribution centers. 
  • Functional Equivalents To Expensive Brand Names- We stock and source alternatives to brand name fasteners, reducing long lead times and saving you money.
  • Creatively Solve Problems – We are sourcing experts, offer competitive pricing and specialize in finding hard to find parts and reducing long deliveries.
  • One-Stop Shopping On Certified Hardware – We stock and source a full line of fasteners including Mil-Spec, DFARS compliant and other industrial products.
  • WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business – To meet your diversity & set-aside needs.

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. 


Get the Job Done with a Pneumatic Power Tool

Now introducing the Rock Solid Hydro-Pneumatic Key-locking Insert Installation Tool

A single button is all it takes to operate this tool and to get the job done. No need to use a hammer and a drill to drive the key locking insert into place. 

Don’t know what a pneumatic power tool is or how to use one? Read on!

What is a pneumatic power tool? 

Pneumatic tools are designed to speed up the installation process of key locking inserts—also known as keenserts. They provide you with increased precision and control, improved torqueing, reduced vibration and noise, and more versatility for your projects.  

How do I use a pneumatic power tool? 

Using a pneumatic power tool is very simple and bound to give you some peace of mind in the process! To use a pneumatic power tool, simply set up or prepare the material to be used in the key locking insert (Keensert) installation process and: 

  1. Drill and countersink the material. 
  1. Tap the hole in the material. 
  1. Insert the key locking insert (Keensert) into the hole. 
  1. Screw the key locking insert down into the material with the aid of the pneumatic power tool!  

Keensert Installation Tool Kit

We offer the pneumatic power tool you need to quickly assemble your key locking inserts. Check them out here. Request a quote today, and our team of experts can help source your needs! 

Do you need more details on why you need a pneumatic power tool? Watch the video below!  

Optionally, you might also be interested on reading our previous blog posts about pneumatic power tools, and on how to manually install key locking inserts (Keenserts)


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. 


Installing Key Locking Inserts with Pneumatic Power Tools

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!


Mil-Spec Socket Caps for Sale

MF Supply is your one-stop-shop for all of the high-quality hardware you need! In today’s blog, we are discussing our mil-spec socket cap options.

What is a Socket Cap?

A socket cap is the standard among high strength fasteners that are needed to withstand the faster speeds and higher pressure of today’s machines, instruments, and assemblies. They’re also known as their trademarked name, Allan Screws, and they’re used across various applications.

MF Supply Mil-Spec Socket Caps

Stainless Steel Socket Head Cap Screws

Our stainless steel socket caps come in both coarse and fine thread.

MS16996 is our fine thread socket cap. Click here for more information!

MS16995 is our coarse thread socket cap. Click here for more information!

Alloy Steel Socket Head Cap Screw

MS16997 Alloy Steel Socket Head Cap Screws come in zinc yellow or with a clad plating. Click here for sizes and more information!

A286 Stainless Socket Head Cap Screws

NAS1351N is our fine thread option. Click here for more details!

NAS1352N is our coarse thread option. Click here for more details!

Why Choose MF Supply for Mil-Spec Socket Caps?

All of our mil-specs socket head cap screws come with full paperwork and are all DFAR compliant. Many of them are available from drop-ship directly from the factory with no lead time and next day delivery!

Learn More About Mil-Spec Socket Caps

If you are looking for high-quality mil-spec socket cap screws with quick delivery, contact us at MF Supply today!


New Inch & Mil-Spec Precision Shoulder Screws

MF Supply is happy to announce that in addition to our Metric Precision Shoulder Screw line, we are now offering Inch and Mil-Spec Precision Shoulder Screws, including MS51575 & MS51576. These new products are available for RFQ directly from mfsupply.com!

As your source for functional equivalents to expensive brand name fasteners, we know how to save you money and reduce long lead times commonly found with brand name fasteners.

Here is an example of a functional equivalent in action:

The following screw, available for RFQ at mfsupply.com, has a generic description as follows:
3/16” shoulder diameter x 1” long x 8-32 thread in SS18-8 (300 Series) with a hex-socket drive. Below we list seven OEM brands (yes, seven!) including their part numbers, and one Mil-Spec part number that are all functional equivalents:

    • Grainger 6JY20
    • Lyn-tron SS7431-00
    • McMaster-Carr 94035A208
    • MSC Industrial 67313726
    • Pic Design 4423
    • RAF 6931-SS
    • WM Berg PZ-14-3
    • MS51576-14

Visit our cross reference chart and plug in your part number to see if a functional equivalent is available. Popular precision shoulder screw brands include: Amatom, Cambion, Concord, Globe, HH Smith, Keystone, Lyn-tron, Misumi, Pic Design, RAF, Unicorp and WM Berg. A comprehensive selection of Precision Shoulder Screws is also offered by McMaster-Carr (tight tolerance series), MSC, and Grainger.

We encourage you to check out our Precision Shoulder Screw Buyer’s Guide on our blog where we share “Five things you need to know” to have the most efficient shopping and buying experience.

Send us your part number
to see if we can cross to a functional equivalent,
shorten lead times & save you money!

Request A Quote

Five Reasons to buy from MF Supply

  1. Huge inventory including 18-8, 303, 316, 416, A2, A4 stainless in Inch & Metric, including major brands and functional equivalents
  2. Domestic parts with full paperwork and Certificate of Conformanceavailable
  3. Custom Sizes, Materials and Plating options available
  4. Creatively solve problems including hard to find parts and long lead times
  5. WBE/WOSB Woman Owned Certified Small Business

Buyer’s Guide to Mil-Spec Fasteners

MS24693C

7 things you need to know

If you sell to the military either directly or indirectly, then you are probably familiar with Mil-spec fasteners. But, what exactly are they and what should you know before buying them? We’d like to help you out with this Seven point buyer’s guide.

  1. What does Mil-spec mean anyway?

Mil-spec or MIL-STD, is the informal name for the military standard the U.S. Department of Defense uses in the production of military equipment. Critical fasteners and components used in the production, repair and maintenance of this equipment are classified as “Mil-spec” fasteners. These parts are usually designated by an AN, MS, NAS or NASM prefix followed by a part number (i.e. MS24693C-4). Each of these prefixes is an abbreviation: for example: NAS stands for National Aerospace Standard and MS stands for Military Standard.

  1. What’s the difference between Mil-spec and commercial fasteners?

Mil-spec fasteners look a lot like their civilian cousins, but these little guys are made to a specific standard that defines in detail, the screw’s attributes, including: dimensions, tensile strength, hardness, threads, drive type, material qualities and plating, just to name a few. Mil-spec fasteners are even traceable by lot to designated manufacturers. The government maintains a list of factories that are qualified to manufacture and distribute Mil-spec fasteners. These suppliers have met all the government’s requirements and pass the highest quality control standards. This designation is called Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturer’s [QSLM]. Commercial fasteners are not held to such specific and exacting standards.

  1. Who uses Mil-Spec Fasteners?

Mil-spec fasteners are used by anyone manufacturing or servicing military equipment. How do you know if your project requires Mil-spec parts? Often, the bill of materials (BOM) calls for specific Mil-spec grade fasteners in accordance with a part number, drawing, NIIN or NSN or procurement requirement. Some of the most common uses of Mil-spec fasteners include aerospace and naval vessels.

  1. Do Mil-Spec fasteners have different features and standards than commercial fasteners?

Mil-spec parts are manufactured and tested to strict military standards ensure performance and reliability. In general, commercial fasteners will not have the same exacting quality standards. Let’s look at a specific example and compare the Mil-Spec MS24693-C4, which is a 4-40 x 3/8 Phillips Flat 100 degree Machine screws in 300 series stainless steel, to its commercial cousin.

Features of the MS24693C-4:

  • ­  Manufactured in an QLSM approved factory
  • ­  Made/melted in the USA or other DFARs* approved country
  • ­  Materials to procurement spec FF-S-92, SAE AIR 4127
  • ­  Cleaned, descaled, passivated to AMS-QQ-P-35; AMS 2700
  • ­  Dimensions, tensile, hardness, threads, recess, head marking to AN, MS, NAS, NASM standard
  • ­   Magnetic permeability to test specs ASTM A342
  • ­  Quality Assurance to procurement spec FF-S-92 MIL-STD 1312
  • ­  Inspection system requirements per Mil-I-45208
  • ­  Full lot traceability, manufacturer’s certification and chemical and physical certification
  • ­  Available in diameters from #0 through 1/4 inch in coarse and fine thread and various lengths

 

Features of a 4-40 x 3/8 Commercial Phillips Flat 100 degree Machine screws in 18-8 series stainless steel:

  • ­ Manufactured per ASME B18.6.3-2002
  • ­ Thread dimensions to ASME B1.1

 

As you can see, the Mil-spec version is held to a higher and more exacting level of quality and testing than the commercial version. As such, the Mil-spec parts are cleaned and passivated, and tested for magnetic permeability, whereas the commercial parts are not.

 

5.   What level of certification is required?

Generally, a Certificate of Conformance (COC) or a record affirming a fastener has met the requirements of the relevant specification, contract or regulation is sufficient for Mil-Spec fasteners. Full certifications, which include the part name, part description, date of manufacture, lot number, chemical composition of material, and treatment of material including plating or passivation, and material test reports, are often available for a fee. It is critical to ask for the level of certification (COC, full material certs, passivation certs, etc) in advance in order to have the most efficient buying experience.

6. Are there other factors to consider when procuring Mil-spec fasteners?

Great question! 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 include: 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.

Important Note: 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.

To keep up to date with DFARs requirements, visit www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/dfarspgi/current/index.html

  1. Where can I find a list of Mil-spec fasteners and specs?

The Defense Logistics agency is a great resource. They maintain a comprehensive database of specifications and drawings. They also maintain a catalog of hardware that includes NIINs and NSNs that sometimes called out in a bill of materials. Check out the following links for more comprehensive information regarding hardware:

http://www.dla.mil/TroopSupport/IndustrialHardware/  – to view catalogs of mil-spec parts and specs by category

http://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsSearch.aspx   – To look up a specific part

http://www.mfsupply.com/mil-spec-fasteners-s/1823.htm – To see MF Supply’s Mil-Spec fastener stock

http://www.mfsupply.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/MFSUPPLY_MILITARY.pdf – To download MF Supply’s Mil-spec line card

 

For more detailed information about Mil-Spec parts, to request a Mil-Spec Line Card or to send an RFQ, visit our website. And if you don’t see what you need listed, as always, ask us. “Finding the right screw for you” is our tag line after all!

Contact me at robin@mfsupply.com with your questions, comments or helpful hints!