Let’s see what you know about Fasteners. Military-Grade Fastener Trivia Test your knowledge on these unsung heroes of engineering! 1. What does the "A" in the part number of an AN bolt (e.g., AN3-7A) signify? It's made from an alloy material. The bolt has a solid shank. It's specifically for Army use. It is an anarobic fastener. 2. Which U.S. government department establishes the "Mil-Spec" standards? Department of Energy Department of Defense Department of Homeland Security Federal Bureau of Investigation 3. What is a key reason military-grade fasteners are often "thread-rolled" rather than "thread-cut"? It's a cheaper manufacturing process. It creates a stronger, more fatigue-resistant thread. It allows for faster installation. It makes the fastener more flexible. 4. Why is a full paper trail, including Material Test Reports (MTRs), so critical for military fasteners? It helps with tax records. It ensures the fastener's full history and quality are traceable. It’s a requirement for commercial use. It helps with inventory management. 5. What is the informal name for a military standard? Military Standard Specification Military Requirement Military Spec or "Mil-Spec" Army-Navy Standard 6. What is a common coating applied to military fasteners to prevent corrosion, especially in naval applications? Paint Cadmium Chrome Nickel 7. In the AN numbering system, what does the first number (e.g., the "3" in AN3) represent? The diameter in eighths of an inch. The diameter in sixteenths of an inch. The length in inches. The tensile strength. 8. Beyond military use, which other industry heavily relies on mil-spec fasteners? Commercial real estate Fast food Aerospace Entertainment 9. What can happen if a single, small fastener fails in a critical military system? The system will become more efficient. It can lead to catastrophic failure. The system will simply need a minor repair. Nothing, as there are always backups. 10. What is a key advantage of using fasteners over welding in military equipment? Fasteners are more resistant to heat. They are much cheaper. They allow for easy disassembly and maintenance. They are lighter. 11. What did the "Perry Memorandum" do regarding military-grade fasteners? Required all military equipment to use them. Restricted their use in favor of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components when feasible. Mandated the use of titanium fasteners. Outlawed all military standards. 12. What specific challenge do military fasteners on vehicles and aircraft often need to withstand? A lot of dirt. Extreme vibration that can cause loosening. High levels of radioactivity. Constant exposure to rain. 13. The AN designation for Army-Navy bolts dates back to what time period? The 1800s The 1940s The 1960s The 2000s 14. Which specialized material might be used for military fasteners where weight is a primary concern? Lead Gold Titanium Copper 15. What does the term "Mil-Spec" actually refer to? A special type of metal. A set of military specifications. A marketing term. A specific fastener model. 16. Why is a fastener on a Navy submarine different from a bolt on a desert tank? They are made by different companies. They have different requirements for corrosion resistance. One is stronger than the other. They have different colors. 17. What is a Certificate of Conformance (CoC)? A document certifying the fastener meets all standards. A receipt for a purchase. A shipping manifest. A contract to buy more fasteners. 18. What kind of testing do military-grade fasteners undergo to verify their strength? Appearance and color testing. Smell and taste tests. Tensile strength and shear tests. Temperature and pressure tests. 19. What is a key difference between a mil-spec and a commercial fastener that may look identical? The commercial fastener is always stronger. The mil-spec fastener has a different name. The difference is in the material composition and rigorous testing. The mil-spec fastener is always more expensive. 20. Why is packaging and shipping of military-grade fasteners so strictly standardized? To ensure all parts are accounted for and meet quality control. To make them look nicer. To make them easier to sell. To save on shipping costs. Submit Answers Your Results
