Jim Burns wrote:
While cleaning out a machine storage building we've discovered several
pallets of mil spec bolts and steel stop nuts. They are obviously old
aircraft military surplus, they are wrapped and boxed like only the military
would require. Most are cad plated, either gold or silver. The bolts have
head stamps of "A" and "L". The boxes seem to have mil spec identifications
other than AN, NA, or MS part numbers. Does anybody know what this head
stamp designation signifies?

Probably nothing. It may be an indicator of the manufacturer, or the "L" you're
seeing may be a stylized "N" (the resulting mark being "A N"). What's more
important is other markings on the head. A standard steel aviation grade bolt
will have a cross or asterisk in the center of the head. If an asterisk, the
legs will probably be pretty long, giving the effect of an "X" with a line
through it. Stainless steel bolts will have a single raised dash to one side of
the head. Aluminum bolts will have two raised dashes on opposite sides of the
head. A bolt with a circle around the asterisk is a reworked bolt. A bolt with
an "X" to one side of the head is a special purpose bolt. There are a few other
markings that indicate special purposes or inspection stati.

George Patterson
Why do men's hearts beat faster, knees get weak, throats become dry,
and they think irrationally when a woman wears leather clothing?
Because she smells like a new truck.