MIL-DTL-18240
Ball-Lock Pins
Mumbai · India
Why MIL-F-18240 Became MIL-DTL-18240
Like MIL-N-25027 becoming MIL-DTL-25027, this is the same broader Department of Defense standardization that reorganized specification numbering from older single-letter category prefixes (MIL-F for fasteners, MIL-N for nuts, MIL-S for screws, MIL-B for bolts) into the unified “MIL-DTL” Detail Specification format. The pin’s design, mechanism, and qualified performance requirements weren’t changed by this — only the prefix a drawing or purchase order cites.
For a buyer, the only practical question is which designation the current engineering drawing references — older tooling packages and legacy drawings may still cite MIL-F-18240 directly, while newer or updated documentation increasingly cites MIL-DTL-18240 instead. A part manufactured correctly to either designation should be the identical push-button, spring-loaded ball-detent pin, with the same instant one-hand release and positive locking engagement.
Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. exports to over 50 countries, and we manufacture and document our ball-lock pin range against both the legacy MIL-F-18240 and current MIL-DTL-18240 designations, verified by detent force and release cycle testing under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system.
Where This Designation Genuinely Applies
Matches Current Drawings
Modern engineering documentation increasingly cites MIL-DTL-18240 directly rather than the legacy MIL-F designation.
Identical Mechanism & Performance
Push-button release, ball detent locking, and detent force requirements carried forward unchanged.
No Ambiguity for Cross-Reference
Confirms to procurement teams that both designations reference an identical, fully interchangeable part family.
Full Documentation Either Way
Complete material and detent force test records regardless of which designation is cited.
Ball-Lock Pin Configuration Options
Standard Single-Row Ball-Lock Pin
One ring of spring-loaded balls near the tip, for general-purpose locating and pivot pin applications.
Dual-Row Ball-Lock Pin
Two ball rows for higher shear load capacity or where the pin must lock across a thicker material stack.
Handle Style Options
T-handle or ring handle grip styles for easy one-hand pulling in different access and glove conditions.
Legacy vs Current Designation Quick Reference
Confirming which designation the drawing cites avoids any unnecessary back-and-forth during quoting. This table is the quick reference we use with buyers before quoting, whichever designation applies.
| Aspect | MIL-DTL-18240 (Current) | MIL-F-18240 (Legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active current designation | Still referenced on older drawings |
| Mechanism | Push-button ball detent | Push-button ball detent (identical) |
| Typical Drawing Age | Newer documentation | Legacy tooling packages |
| Manufactured Part | Same qualified pin family | Same qualified pin family |
MIL-DTL-18240 Specification Details
Materials We Manufacture In
- Carbon/Alloy Steel Cadmium / Zinc-Nickel Plated
- Stainless Steel 300 Series, Passivated
- Ball Detents Hardened Steel
- Spring Stainless Spring Steel
How the Ball-Lock Works
- Locking Spring-Loaded Ball Detent
- Release Push-Button, Instant
- Handle T-Handle / Ring Handle
- Testing Detent Force / Release Cycle
Available Dimensions
- Pin Diameter 1/8″ – 1″ (Inch Series)
- Metric Equivalent Available to Drawing
- Grip Length Custom to Application
- Ball Configuration Single / Double Row
Application Areas
Wherever a pin needs to be inserted or removed instantly, with one hand, and no tool.
Aircraft Ground Handling Equipment
support hardware
Weapon Mounts & Defense Hardware
equipment mounting
Hinge & Pivot Assemblies
for maintenance access
Fixture & Jig Assembly
and clamping pins
Trailer & Towing Equipment
and coupling pins
Marine Equipment Mounting
equipment pin locations
Sporting & Outdoor Equipment
and sporting hardware
General Quick-Release Pin Applications
instant, tool-free pinning
Standard Export Documentation
Prepared as standard practice for every MIL-DTL-18240 ball-lock pin shipment.
Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
Heat number, chemical composition, and mechanical property verification for every lot.
Detent Force Test Records
Batch-level testing confirming genuine ball engagement and release force within specification.
Certificate of Conformance
Confirms the shipment matches the purchase order configuration/material specification, citing either designation as required.
Certificate of Origin (COO)
Confirms India as country of manufacture for destination customs purposes.
NABL Accredited Test Reports
Independent mechanical and dimensional testing available on request for critical applications.
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Itemized value, Incoterm, and detailed carton/weight breakdown for customs clearance.
Internationally Recognised Standards Coverage
Related Fastener Grades & Materials
MIL-F-18240 Ball-Lock Pins
Our detail page under the original legacy designation, covering the same push-button pin family.
View MIL-F-18240 →MIL-F-19700 Quarter-Turn Fasteners
Our companion quick-release panel fastener specification for structural access panels.
View MIL-F-19700 →MIL-DTL-25027 Self-Locking Nuts
Our companion current-designation self-locking nut specification, following the same numbering transition.
View MIL-DTL-25027 →Fasteners Manufacturer & Exporter to the USA
Our broader capability manufacturing to ASTM/ASME and US federal/military standards.
View USA Export Guide →Whichever Designation
Your Drawing Cites
Tell us whether your drawing references MIL-DTL-18240 or MIL-F-18240 — we manufacture and document the same qualified part family either way. Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. responds within 24 hours.
Sales: +91 724 0000 733 · Support: +91 800 9315 333 · sales@akbarfasteners.in