MS17984 Quick Release Ball Lock Pin | Button Handle | NAS1333-1343 Standard | JDF
The MS17984 Quick Release Ball Lock Pin is a button-handle, single-acting ball lock pin manufactured to the MS17984 / NAS1333-1343 aerospace standard. The button handle allows one-hand operation — simply press the button to release, making it ideal for applications where quick, frequent connections are required. The pin is made from precipitation-hardened 17-4PH stainless steel (AMS5643) with 440C stainless steel balls, offering high shear strength and excellent corrosion resistance. The spring-loaded balls engage close-fitting holes to lock the pin securely in place. All pins are tested according to NAS 1332 and conform to aviation production norm NASM 23460.
How to select the right MS17984 Ball Lock Pin:
Determine the nominal diameter: Match the pin diameter to the mounting hole. Recommended hole tolerance is H11. The MS17984 standard covers nominal diameters from 3/16" to 1".
Measure the clamping length: The clamping length is the distance from the bottom of the handle to the top of the locking ball. It must match the total thickness of the plates being joined.
Calculate the load: Determine the shear load the pin will experience. Apply a safety factor of 2 for static loading, or 3 for dynamic/impact loading. The required shear strength = actual load × safety factor. Refer to the double shear strength table above.
Confirm the standard part number: Each diameter/clamping length combination has a unique MS17984 part number (e.g., MS17984C307 for 3/16" diameter and 0.7" clamping length).
Example: For a 500 kg static load in double shear, with a safety factor of 2, the required shear strength is 1000 kg (approx. 2200 lbf). A 3/16" diameter pin (double shear strength 5,150 lbf) is more than sufficient.
Installation and Operation:
Insert the pin into the mounting hole with the button depressed. The spring-loaded balls retract, allowing the pin to slide through.
Release the button. The balls spring out and engage the groove or hole on the far side, locking the pin in place.
The button handle allows one-hand operation — simply press the button to release the pin.
All stainless steel parts are passivated according to AMS2700 for corrosion resistance.
The handle is made from black anodized aluminum alloy 6061-T6 (for sizes 3/8" and above) according to MIL-A-8625.
Technical Specifications Table
Nominal Dia. A (in) Clamping Length Range (in) Double Shear Strength (lbf/kN) Standard Part No. Example Body/Spindle Material 3/16" 0.3" - 4.5" 5,150 / 22.9 MS17984C307 17-4PH 1/4" 0.3" - 6.0" 9,200 / 40.9 MS17984C443 17-4PH 5/16" 0.3" - 6.0" 14,400 / 64.1 MS17984C539 17-4PH 3/8" 0.3" - 6.0" 20,700 / 92.1 MS17984C639 17-4PH 7/16" 0.3" - 6.0" 28,500 / 126.8 MS17984C790 17-4PH 1/2" 0.3" - 6.0" 36,900 / 164.2 MS17984C840 17-4PH 5/8" 0.3" - 6.0" 57,800 / 257.1 MS17984C1015 17-4PH 3/4" 0.3" - 6.0" 83,200 / 370.1 MS17984C1224 17-4PH 7/8" 0.3" - 6.0" 112,500 / 500.4 MS17984C1426 17-4PH 1" 0.3" - 9.0" 147,200 / 654.8 MS17984C1640 17-4PH Typical Applications
The MS17984 Button Handle Ball Lock Pin is widely used in the following applications:
Aerospace: Aircraft access panels, landing gear pins, and ground support equipment (GSE), conforming to MS17984 / NAS1333-1343 standards
Military Equipment: Quick locking and release for military vehicles, weapon systems, and field equipment
MRO Maintenance & Repair: Quick release of panels and covers in aircraft and engine maintenance
Fixtures & Positioning: Quick locating and locking of workpieces on precision fixtures, with button handle for one-hand operation
Marine & Offshore: Corrosion-resistant quick connections for marine equipment and offshore platforms
Industrial Equipment Maintenance: Quick fastening of frequently removed panels, covers, and guards
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between MS17984 and MS17985?
A: MS17984 uses a button handle with the button located on top of the handle, allowing one-hand release operation, making it compact and suitable for space-constrained applications. MS17985 uses a T-handle that extends perpendicular to the pin axis for maximum pulling leverage, suitable for heavy-duty equipment and gloved-hand operation. Both conform to NAS1333-1343 standards.
Q2: What material is MS17984 made of?
A: The body and spindle are made from CRES 17-4PH precipitation-hardened stainless steel (AMS5643). The balls are CRES 440C stainless steel (HRC 58-62). The spring is CRES 302 stainless steel. The handle is aluminum alloy 6061-T6 (for sizes 3/8" and above). The button is CRES 303 stainless steel. All stainless steel parts are passivated according to AMS2700.
Q3: What is the operating temperature range of MS17984?
A: The operating temperature range is -65°F to +200°F (-54°C to +93°C).
Q4: How do I determine the load capacity of MS17984?
A: MS17984 load capacity is measured by double shear strength. Values range from 5,150 lbf (3/16") to 147,200 lbf (1"). Apply a safety factor of 2 for static loads, or 3 for dynamic/impact loads.
Q5: How do I select the clamping length for MS17984?
A: The clamping length is the distance from the bottom of the handle to the top of the locking ball. It must match the total thickness of the plates being joined. MS17984 covers clamping lengths from 0.3" to 9.0".
