Milspec Screws

[DamnYuppie]

Where is a good place online to buy mil-spec metric screws?

I have recently misplaced a screw for my for-end rail assembly and needed to replace it. I did get something that fit at Ace Hardware, had to shorten it, but wanted to know if there are better places to purchase such screws online.

I know the numerical designations on the screw dictate how strong it is, for example "10.9", but what do the letters represent? On the screw I lost it had "S D E 10.9", I replaced it with one that had "V P S 10.9". Is that acceptable?

 

[Hink]

Re: Milspec Screws

Metric fasteners are graded similar to SAE fasteners. The difference is that metric fasteners are graded with numbers, while SAE fasteners are graded with symbols (3 dashes for a Grade 8, for instance). SAE and metric gradings are NOT equal -- a grade 8 SAE is not the same as grade 8 metric.

The letters are likely a manufacturer's stamp. It's the same screw, just made in a different factory.

 

[Tripwire]

Re: Milspec Screws

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hink</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Metric fasteners are graded similar to SAE fasteners. The difference is that metric fasteners are graded with numbers, while SAE fasteners are graded with symbols (3 dashes for a Grade 8, for instance). SAE and metric gradings are NOT equal -- a grade 8 SAE is not the same as grade 8 metric.

The letters are likely a manufacturer's stamp. It's the same screw, just made in a different factory. </div></div>

Three "dashes" would be a Grade 5 SAE bolt, Grade 8 SAE would be six "dashes"......

 

[Hink]

Re: Milspec Screws

Ah, Tripwire is right - I stand corrected.

 

[tgclark44]

Re: Milspec Screws

Every possible screw or fastener, and a whole lot more, is available here:

www.mcmaster.com

Tom

 

[chongoMT]

Re: Milspec Screws

Go to a local Fastenal and they can get whatever you need