Need Mil-Spec thread? John Howard Company has you covered! When it comes to manufacturing gear for military, tactical, emergency and industrial applications, not all thread is created equal. In high-stakes environments—where safety, strength, and performance are non-negotiable—Military Specification (MIL-Spec) thread from John Howard Company stands out as the industry standard.
In this guide, we’ll break down what military spec thread is, explore common types like nylon, polyester, Kevlar, and Nomex, and explain why sourcing from a trusted U.S. supplier like John Howard Company ensures compliance, durability, and mission-ready performance.
️ What Is MIL-Spec Thread?
MIL-Spec thread is designed to meet U.S. military performance standards, including specific requirements for strength, heat resistance, chemical resistance, durability, and stitch integrity. These threads are often used in:
- Tactical gear (vests, belts, pouches)
- Military uniforms and flight suits
- Load-bearing equipment
- Safety harnesses
- Aerospace and industrial applications
To meet military specs, threads must comply with standards like A-A-59826, V-T-295E, or other relevant codes, and in many cases must be Berry Amendment compliant, meaning they are produced in the United States using domestic materials.
Types of Military Spec Thread
Let’s look at four of the most commonly used MIL-Spec threads and their benefits:
1. Nylon Thread (Mil-Spec Compliant)
Strengths:
- High tensile strength
- Excellent flexibility
- Good abrasion resistance
Best For:
Tactical backpacks, webbing, holsters, and general-purpose military gear.
Why Choose It?
Nylon is durable and slightly elastic, making it ideal for equipment that undergoes frequent stress or movement.
2. Polyester Thread (A-A-59826)
Strengths:
- High UV resistance
- Minimal stretch
- Superior moisture and mildew resistance
Best For:
Outdoor military gear, tents, and applications exposed to sun and weather.
Why Choose It?
Unlike nylon, polyester retains strength when wet and resists fading or weakening from prolonged sun exposure—making it ideal for harsh outdoor conditions.
3. Kevlar® Thread
Strengths:
- Extreme tensile strength (5x stronger than steel)
- Heat resistance up to 800°F+
- Cut and abrasion resistance
Best For:
Ballistic gear, body armor, and fire-retardant gear.
Why Choose It?
Kevlar is the go-to thread for high-risk environments where failure is not an option. It’s also resistant to acids, alkalis, and solvents.
4. Nomex® Thread
Strengths:
- Flame and heat resistance up to 700°F
- Does not melt or drip
- Good chemical resistance
Best For:
Flight suits, fire protection clothing, and aerospace applications.
Why Choose It?
Nomex is essential for flame-retardant applications where worker safety and compliance with fire codes are critical.
Why Source from John Howard Company?
If you need reliable, Berry-compliant, U.S.-made MIL-Spec thread, look no further than John Howard Company. With decades of experience supplying the defense, tactical, and industrial sectors, they carry:
- Nylon and polyester threads certified to A-A-59826
- Kevlar and Nomex threads for fire- and cut-resistant needs
- Expert support and live product consultants
- Fast fulfillment and Made-in-USA compliance
Whether you’re sewing tactical vests or producing flight-ready gear, John Howard Company delivers the strength, quality, and compliance you can trust.
Explore their full line of military thread options at johnhowardcompany.com
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right MIL-Spec thread is essential for the safety, performance, and longevity of your product. From Kevlar’s bulletproof strength to polyester’s outdoor durability, each type of thread serves a mission-critical role. Partner with a trusted supplier like John Howard Company to ensure you’re using the best—because when it matters most, your thread can’t fail.
For more information on our line of Mil-Spec Thread and Industrial Thread products , contact a John Howard Company today!
Contact a LIVE representative from John Howard Company who can help you find the right products to meet your needs, specifications and budget!
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