Hardware

Special Hardware

Special Hardware for Aerospace

Engineers and procurement teams often need a fastener that falls outside the standard nut plate, self-locking nut, or threaded insert families and end up chasing it across multiple suppliers. FDH Aero solves that gap with a dedicated special hardware line covering clip nuts, gang channels, and mil-spec parts under M85731, M63540, and M85528, all sourced from the same authorized distribution network that supports our core hardware catalog. Every part on this page ships with full material and process traceability, so the paperwork holds up the same as it does on a flagship nut plate or self-locking nut order. If a part number isn't listed below, our team can still source it and quote it against your spec.

What Counts as Special Hardware

Special hardware is the catch-all category for aerospace fastening products that support the primary structural fastener families without belonging to any one of them. On this page, that means clip nuts, gang channels, and a handful of mil-spec components used for connector retention and panel mounting. Each product below has its own catalog page with part numbers, alternates, and quote requests.

Clip Nuts

Clip nuts are spring steel fasteners that clip directly onto a sheet metal edge, giving a threaded attachment point without drilling or tapping the base material. They're a common choice on access panels, brackets, and other sheet metal assemblies where a standard threaded insert isn't practical. FDH Aero carries clip nuts from the manufacturers behind the industry's established designs, fully traceable and ready to ship.

Gang Channels

A gang channel is a track of self-locking nuts set into a single channel, letting a technician fasten a run of bolts along a structural member without installing individual nut plates at each hole. Gang channels show up frequently on engine mounts and other assemblies where several fasteners sit close together in a line. FDH Aero stocks gang channel assemblies across multiple lengths and hole patterns.

M85731, M63540, and M85528

These three specifications round out the special hardware line:

M85731 covers clamp assemblies and cushioned loop clamps used to secure tubing, hose, and wire bundles to airframe structure.
M63540 (MIL-S-63540) is the specification for self-clinching studs, pressed into a parent panel to provide a permanent threaded stud without a separate nut.
M85528 covers retaining plates and mounting flanges for circular electrical connectors, keeping connector backshells seated and strain-relieved.

Each spec is available through FDH Aero with full lot traceability, and our team can cross an alternate part number or manufacturer designation against any of the three.

FDH Aero: Your Source for Special Hardware

FDH Aero is an authorized distributor across aerospace, defense, and electronics hardware, and this special hardware line gets the same sourcing standards as our nut plate, self-locking nut, and threaded insert categories. If your build calls for a clip nut, gang channel, or mil-spec part not shown here, contact our team, and we'll quote it against your specification.

FAQs

What is considered special hardware in aerospace fastening?

Special hardware refers to fastening products that support the primary structural fastener categories, such as nut plates and self-locking nuts, without fitting neatly into any one family. Clip nuts, gang channels, and mil-spec retention hardware are common examples.

What is a gang channel used for?

A gang channel holds a row of self-locking nuts in a single track, allowing multiple fasteners along a structural member to be installed without separate nut plates at each hole. It's frequently used on engine mounts and similar assemblies.

What is the difference between a clip nut and a threaded insert?

A clip nut attaches to a sheet metal edge without drilling or tapping the base material, while a threaded insert is installed into a pre-drilled hole to create internal threads in a softer material. Clip nuts are the faster option where the edge geometry allows it.

What does M63540 cover?

M63540 (MIL-S-63540) is the military specification for self-clinching studs, which are pressed into a parent panel to create a permanent threaded stud without a separate nut.

Does FDH Aero provide traceability on special hardware parts?

Yes. Every special hardware part FDH Aero ships, including clip nuts, gang channels, and mil-spec components, includes full material and process traceability consistent with our standard aerospace hardware line.

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