MIL-SPEC: Military Specification
Knowing whether certain parts or materials can stand up to extreme pressures is often an essential factor in making a purchasing decision. You may have noticed the term MIL-SPEC or (informally) mil spec or MilSpec in many different markets and niches, but what does it mean, and are MIL-SPEC products worth the additional cost?
Read on as our team at Greenshields Industrial Supply in Everett, WA, provides some explanations.
What Does Military Specification or MIL-SPEC Mean?
MIL-SPEC, or military specification, refers to any product or component that meets military specifications or standards. It stems from the U.S. military, which standardizes most of its processes and components, leading to better reliability and compatibility between systems.
Other versions of the same principle include:
- MIL-DTL: Defense detail specification
- MIL-PRF: Defense performance specification
- MIL-STD: Defense standard
A large reason why military specification hardware has become popular is that the U.S. government has the rights to the component’s design. This means that various companies can make and sell these connectors based on the original MIL-SPEC design and manufacturing process.
The advantage to consumers is that you’ll get exactly the same mil spec connector with the exact same functionality, regardless of manufacturer. It allows you to shop around and find the best-value product without worrying about poor-quality imitations.
MilSpec Products
At Greenshields, we offer many MIL-SPEC products to meet your needs. From mil spec wire to mil spec paracord, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in our store.
MilSpec Fittings
We work with defense contractors such as Eaton Aeroquip Marine Military Specification Fittings and Adaptors to provide you with high-quality hydraulic fittings. We have two fittings ranges: Aeroquip MilSpec fittings and Hydrasearch MilSpec fittings, allowing us to offer a massive range of fittings for a wide array of uses.
We only supply the highest quality products that meet military standards, from fitting hoses to gasket seals, flanges, and O-rings.
MilSpec Hose
We carry a large range of hydraulic hoses, adapters, and fittings. Our most popular products include the Aeroquip FC163-08 marine hose and Aeroquip FC162-16 hose that’s suitable for pressures of up to 3000 psi.
MilSpec Adapters
We carry two mil spec adapter ranges from Eaton Aeroquip Marine Military Specification Fittings and Adapters. These work well with our other milspec offerings but are also suitable for other hydraulic, pneumatic, fuel, or water systems.
A MIL-SPEC Shop You Can Count On
The term “MIL-SPEC” carries a lot of weight and implies quality and ruggedness. To achieve mil spec standards, equipment or components must undergo extremely rigorous testing for thermal tolerance and mechanical strength. In many cases, the standards the military requires are much higher than those of most commercial products, giving milspec-certified products a reputation for being tough, robust, and high-quality.
Obtaining MIL-SPEC certification is an extensive and comprehensive process. Even a basic 461F certification can take up to two weeks to complete and often costs $25,000 or more. Companies that provide true MIL-SPEC equipment have an investment in offering the best products available on the market.
Advantages of Buying MIL-SPEC Products
When buying components or hardware, it’s a good idea to invest in high-quality products. This is especially true of fittings and bearings that undergo a lot of strain in their daily operation. Buying mil spec wiring or fittings will give you the peace of mind that you’ve bought a part that will stand the test of time.
Consequences of Using Low-Quality Tools and Parts
Using low-quality components can save you money in the short term, but these products are more likely to fail. Commercial standards are much less rigorous, and it’s easier for manufacturers to produce sub-standard parts. Eventually, these parts will fail and leave you dealing with expensive and unnecessary repairs.
What to Look for in MilSpec Products
Many unscrupulous manufacturers take advantage of the term “mil spec” without actually having the right certifications. For example, it’s easy to find a mil spec lower parts kit, but it’s hard to know whether it has undergone the military’s certification process.
To ensure that you get high-quality, genuine mil spec components or equipment, you need to do your research first. A good way to tell a genuine product is by buying from a company that works with a defense contractor that supplies the military, as we do at Greenshields Industrial Supply.
MilSpec Supply at Greenshields Industrial Supply in Everett, WA
At Greenshields Industrial Supply, we serve as a distributor for Eaton Aeroquip Marine Military Specification Fittings and Hydraulic hose adapters, manufacturer of fittings and hoses that are military standard-certified. These components are vital to the functioning of many hydraulic systems, so it’s worthwhile to invest in the best quality possible.
If you’re looking for the benefits of mil spec products, such as compatibility and reliability, give us at Greenshields Industrial Supply in Everett, WA, a call at (425) 259-0111 today.
