MIL-F-18240
Ball-Lock Pins
Mumbai · India
Why Push-Button, Not a Quarter-Turn
A ball-lock pin solves a different problem than our quarter-turn panel fasteners do. A quarter-turn fastener is built for a panel that stays secured under structural or aerodynamic load and needs a screwdriver’s leverage to release deliberately. A ball-lock pin exists for the opposite situation — a removable pivot, hinge, or locating pin that a person needs to pull or insert instantly, with one hand, often while holding something else, and sometimes in genuine time pressure.
The mechanism reflects that need directly. Spring-loaded steel balls near the pin tip protrude outward to lock the pin in place once inserted through a matching hole; pressing the button at the pin’s head retracts those balls, letting the pin pull free instantly with no rotation, no tool, and no risk of cross-threading or stripping anything. That’s exactly why ball-lock pins show up on hinge pins, quick-attach equipment mounts, and anywhere speed of removal genuinely matters more than maximum load capacity.
Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. exports to over 50 countries, and our ball-lock pin range is manufactured with verified ball-detent engagement and release force, tested under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system.
Where This Specification Genuinely Applies
Instant, One-Hand Operation
Single button press releases the pin instantly — no tool, no rotation, no second hand needed.
No Cross-Threading Risk
Pure push-in, push-button-release mechanism has no thread to cross or strip under repeated use.
Positive Locking When Inserted
Spring-loaded balls hold the pin securely in place until the button is deliberately pressed.
Verified Detent & Release Force
Batch testing confirms genuine ball engagement force and reliable button release, not just correct sizing.
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.
Ball-Lock Pins vs Quarter-Turn Fasteners
Confirming whether the application needs instant one-hand release or deliberate tool-assisted release avoids specifying the wrong quick-release mechanism entirely. This table is the quick reference we use with buyers before quoting.
| Aspect | MIL-F-18240 Ball-Lock Pin | MIL-F-19700 Quarter-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| Release Method | Push button, instant | Quarter-turn with screwdriver |
| Tool Required | None | Screwdriver or coin |
| Typical Application | Hinge/pivot pins, quick-attach mounts | Structural access panels |
| Hand Operation | Single-hand friendly | Requires tool in hand |
MIL-F-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-F-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 in full.
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-19700 Quarter-Turn Fasteners
Our companion quick-release panel fastener specification for structural access panels.
View MIL-F-19700 →FF-P-386 Straight Pins
Our precision locating pin specification for applications not needing quick-release capability.
View FF-P-386 →MIL-I-8846 Helical Coil Inserts
Our thread reinforcement specification for aluminum and magnesium structures elsewhere in the assembly.
View MIL-I-8846 →Fasteners Manufacturer & Exporter to the USA
Our broader capability manufacturing to ASTM/ASME and US federal/military standards.
View USA Export Guide →Need Instant,
Tool-Free Pin Release?
Tell us your pin diameter, grip length, and load requirement — we’ll confirm the right configuration and quote with full documentation. Akbar Fasteners Pvt. Ltd. responds within 24 hours.
Sales: +91 724 0000 733 · Support: +91 800 9315 333 · sales@akbarfasteners.in