332510: Hardware Manufacturing

What this code covers

Census defines 332510 as plants whose main products are metal hardware such as hinges, handles, keys, and locks, other than coin or card operated locks and time locks. Industry usage extends that to latches, catches, turnbuckles, hasps, tie-down fittings, and the aircraft, marine, furniture, and motor vehicle hardware sold as standard catalog items or made to a drawing.

For defense and aerospace that means hinges and latches for access panels and doors, quick-action fasteners for cowlings, turnbuckles and cable fittings for control runs, tie-down rings and shackles, padlocks and hasps for storage, and shelter and vehicle door hardware. Threaded fasteners belong in 332722.

What federal buyers typically ask for

DLA Troop Support Industrial Hardware posts most hardware notices, by national stock number and often through long-term contracts. DLA Aviation posts aircraft-specific hardware. Vehicle and shelter hardware comes through Army depots and DLA Land and Maritime. Many items are catalog parts made to a military or NAS standard, so several manufacturers and distributors compete on each buy.

Quality terms are steady. Expect a certificate of conformance, material certs, and first article for a new source. Standard hardware often cites a specification with a qualified products list, and high security padlocks and some aircraft hardware require a listed source. Steel and titanium content carries the DFARS specialty metals clause. Plating and coating callouts are common, and load rated items such as turnbuckles and tie-downs may require proof load testing with records. Drawings for platform-specific hardware are often export controlled.

Total small business set-asides are common at these quantities, and distributors compete alongside manufacturers.