Are there COTS drawings available for Inconel fasteners?
One COTS fastener series covers Inco 718 at 220ksi: MS14181, a spline bolt for shear applications. The mating nut and washer are MS14182 and MS14183. For other part types in this material, KJL has drawings available on request, so you don’t need to generate your own from scratch. Contact our technical sales team to discuss your specific requirements.
Are there COTS drawings available for MP35N fasteners?
No COTS hardware drawings exist for MP35N fasteners at 260ksi. KJL has drawings available on request for a range of part types in this material. Reach out to our technical sales team and we’ll get you what you need without requiring you to create your own documentation.
What materials are appropriate for spaceflight and satellite applications?
Material selection for spaceflight depends on location within the assembly, exposure to the space environment, and contact with on-board gases or fluids. In some locations and configurations, 300 series stainless steel is acceptable. Most spaceflight fasteners, however, use aerospace super alloys: A286, titanium, and Inconel 718 are the most common. If you’re working through material selection for a specific program, call our technical sales team for guidance tailored to your application.
Can tarnished or discolored silver-plated fasteners still be used safely?
Yes. Silver plate functions as an anti-galling agent, and tarnishing or discoloration doesn’t compromise that function. KJL packages silver-plated parts with protective paper to minimize discoloration during storage, but if your parts have tarnished, they’re still safe to install.
I can’t find the fastener I need anywhere online. What should I do?
If your search is returning close matches but not exactly what you need, give our technical sales team a call. KJL specializes in unusual and hard-to-find parts, including configurations that don’t appear in standard catalogs. Describe what you’re trying to accomplish and we’ll identify or manufacture the right part.
How do I find flight part numbers for the fasteners on my program?
There’s no clean reference source for this, and any tool that suggests otherwise is oversimplifying the problem. The most reliable approach is to work directly with a commodity expert. KJL’s team has over 20 years of experience working with flight fasteners and this is one of the most common challenges we help engineers and designers solve during the pre-build stage. Call us with what you have and we’ll work through the identification with you.
Can I order NAS1351 or NAS1352 socket cap screws in lengths not listed in the standard tables?
Yes. If you need a length that doesn’t appear in the tables, such as 15/16″ or 5 1/2″, you can build the part number using the existing NAS1351 or NAS1352 structure. These are semi-custom parts, and KJL can source them. Call us with your requirements and we’ll get them for you.
What tooling do I need for mechanical rivets and inserts?
Tooling requirements vary significantly depending on fastener type and application, and these are the two categories that generate the most questions. Mechanical rivets and inserts each draw their own set of tooling considerations that can’t be answered with a single reference. Contact our technical sales team with your specific fastener and installation context and we’ll point you to the right solution.
I’m having trouble with insert installation. What are common causes?
Inserts behave differently than standard nuts, bolts, and washers, and installation problems are common across experience levels. The causes vary: hole preparation, tooling fit, technique, and the fastener’s specific design all play a role. Rather than troubleshoot blind, call our technical sales team and describe what you’re seeing. We can typically diagnose the issue quickly and walk you through the fix.
My aerospace superalloy fasteners are experiencing thread galling. How do I address it?
High-nickel aerospace super alloys with fine threads are highly susceptible to galling, and the problem compounds when self-locking nuts made from the same material are required. The first line of defense is a lubricating coating on the threads. Dry film lube, silver, CAD, and aluminum coat are the most common options. In some cases, an additional anti-seizing compound is needed on top of the coating. If standard approaches aren’t resolving the issue, contact our technical sales team and we’ll help you dial in the right solution.
My gauge is building up quickly when checking CAD plated fasteners. How do I fix it?
Cadmium plating on Class 3 fasteners builds up on thread gauges fast. The fix is straightforward: apply a water-based lubricant or light oil to the gauge before inserting it into the fastener. Clean your sample pieces with mild soap and water afterward to avoid contamination.
