Military-Grade Hardware and Fastening Solutions

1/27/2019 | 5 min read

What Is Military-Grade Hardware?

Military-grade products are held to higher standards than commercial hardware, and must meet specific military specifications to ensure reliable performance and safety. Hardware that meets required military standards is also known simply as “mil-spec” hardware. Due to the demanding operational conditions under which this machinery and equipment's hardware is being used, these components must always perform reliably; malfunctions are simply not an option.

Specifications can be classified by the unique standards of a particular field, such as the National Aerospace Standards (NAS), or the specific requirements of the military.

Mil-spec hardware is often used in the defense, government, marine, nuclear, and shipbuilding industries. These products can be relied upon to be long-lasting and durable, allowing for high-quality results in some of industry’s most demanding applications.

Types of Military-Grade Screws and Fasteners

There are a number of different types of military-grade hardware available, including a wide range of screws and fasteners. Common varieties are mil-spec bolts, machine screws, nuts, self-tapping screws, sockets, and washers, each of which satisfy different requirements.

Mil-spec bolts — which can have either coarse or fine threads and can be made from many different materials — are used in many industries, for a wide range of applications.
Mil-spec machine screws, like bolts, do not have tapered ends and are used to fasten machine parts.
Mil-spec nuts, meanwhile, can be paired with bolts to fasten materials across various industries, and are made of steel.
Mil-spec self-tapping screws are available with a pan or round head and can be used with metal or plastic components. These screws have tapered tips and can create threaded holes in materials without the need for pilot holes.
Sockets that are classified as mil-spec are created from stainless and alloy steel for increased durability. These specialized sockets have a hexagonal head cap that can be used with Allen or hex wrenches and come in fully or partially-threaded varieties.
Mil-spec washers help to secure nuts and bolts, and come in a number of variations, including flat, split lock, screw, internal tooth lock, and external tooth lock.

Characteristics of Army-Navy Bolts

The rugged, durable grade of bolts required by the U.S. military is referred to as Army-Navy (AN) bolts. Typically, for a bolt or fastener to be considered AN, it must have cadmium plating to provide optimal corrosion resistance.

The threads for AN bolts are created through a pressing process, rather than the typical cutting process used for standard bolts. During the pressing process, threads are pressed into the steel of the bolt, which helps to ensure the product maintains superior strength. AN bolt heads may also be reinforced so that they are capable of load bearing in order to minimize non-uniform stress and prevent the material from failing.

The AN standard is the predecessor of other military-grade standards, including military specifications and the National Aerospace Standards.

Choosing the Right Military Hardware

There are many varieties of military-grade hardware available, used across a range of industries and applications. From bolts and screws to washers and sockets, hardware deemed military-grade can be trusted to exhibit unmatched strength and durability even in the most demanding jobs.

To ensure you choose the right military hardware for your specific application, partner with a trusted supplier who will take the time to assess your unique needs and specifications.

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