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// TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Mil-Spec purchasing questions.

Practical answers for buyers sourcing military and aerospace fasteners, with a direct path to Webson for part-specific questions.

// PURCHASING QUESTIONS

Part numbers and specification revisions

What should I do if I only have an MS, NAS or AN series number?

Send Webson the series, hardware description and any available drawing details. A series number identifies a family; the complete dash number and suffixes are needed to resolve the size and variant.

Does a canceled standard mean the part is no longer available?

Document cancellation and product availability are separate questions. Provide the original callout, required issue and any successor information so Webson can review the sourcing requirement.

Should I replace an MS prefix with NASM when ordering?

Do not change the prefix automatically. A successor document can retain the original part identification numbers. Webson can review the complete callout and any documented relationship.

Which revision should I request?

Include the revision required by your drawing, purchase order or customer clauses. If the requirement is unclear or conflicting, identify that before ordering so it can be resolved with the responsible engineering or quality contact.

Can the same dash number be carried into a similar series?

Dash numbers are series-specific. For example, the same dash number can identify different shoulder lengths in MS51575 and MS51576. Send both complete designations when asking for a comparison.

// PURCHASING QUESTIONS

Materials, finishes and alternatives

Is a commercial fastener an acceptable substitute for a Mil-Spec part?

A similar diameter, length and appearance do not establish compliance with a military or aerospace requirement. If alternatives may be considered, tell Webson which drawing, performance, source and documentation requirements must be met.

Can a different coating be supplied instead of the one specified?

Treat a coating change as a proposed alternative unless the governing requirement expressly allows it. Provide the exact finish callout and application, and identify who must approve any change.

Does CRES identify a particular stainless steel grade?

CRES describes corrosion-resistant steel. The specific alloy and condition must still come from the selected part specification or drawing.

Can a photo identify the exact compliant part?

A photo can help identify visible features such as head shape, drive and general configuration. It cannot establish material, internal thread class, heat treatment or certification. Include the part number or drawing wherever possible.

// PURCHASING QUESTIONS

Certificates, traceability and receiving

Is a distributor certificate the same as a manufacturer certificate?

They are different documentation requests. State explicitly which documents your order requires, including any manufacturer records, material reports, test reports or lot traceability.

When should I provide quality clauses and approved-source requirements?

Include them with the RFQ. Source restrictions, required reports and inspection requirements can affect which supply options are suitable and what documentation must accompany delivery.

What if I need lot or heat traceability?

Specify the required traceability and supporting records at the start of the inquiry. If an order must come from one lot, identify that as a separate requirement for review.

Can I request special inspection or first-article documentation?

Send the applicable clauses, drawings and report requirements with the inquiry. Webson will review the requested scope as part of quotation; requirements and availability are order-specific.

// PURCHASING QUESTIONS

Getting a quote from Webson

Do the reference tables show live stock or prices?

The reference center supports part identification and purchasing. Send Webson the complete part number, quantity and required date for current pricing, availability and documentation details.

Can I send a bill of material with several part numbers?

Yes. Use a separate line for each complete designation, quantity and required date. Identify shared quality clauses and note requirements that apply only to certain items.

What if I do not know every specification detail yet?

Send the information you have and identify the open questions. Webson can review the inquiry and help determine what must be clarified before quotation or order acceptance.

Can I include recurring demand or scheduled releases?

Include initial quantity, estimated annual usage and your preferred delivery schedule. These details help Webson review the purchasing requirement beyond a single line-item quantity.

// ASK WEBSON

Have a question about a specific part?

Send Webson the complete designation, quantity and the requirement you need help resolving. Include any drawing notes or order clauses that affect material, finish, approved sources or documentation.

// SOURCE WITH WEBSON

Have a part number or bill of material?

Send the complete designation, quantity, required delivery date and documentation requirements. Webson will review your requirement for quotation.