Nuts and bolts

[Rob Blaustein]

Can someone recommend a source for getting assortments of these, as well as washers and other useful bits of hardware? As I put together my shop and modify things I seem to have to always run out to Home Depot to get 1 1/2" long 1/4-20 hex bolts, only to find when I get home that what I really needed was 2" long ones, etc etc. So I think it's worth a bit of investment to stock up on different sizes and styles of these sorts of things and those variety packs would probably be handy. I looked through the Griz catalogue, but didn't see much of a selection, and Lee Valley seems to have more specialized stuff. Harbor Freight maybe (I'm about to check)?

[Tom Hamilton]

http://www.mcfeelys.com/

You might try these folks for hardward, they have assorted sets in their latest catalog that may be just what you are looking for.

Good hunting, Tom

[Gary Herrmann]

Definitely McFeelys.

[Wes Bischel]

Rob,
I recently went ahead and started a stock of 1/4-20 grade 5 nuts, bolts, and washers from Enco:

http://www.use-enco.com/

They usually have a free shipping code - I'll see if I can drum one up.

Wes

PS - You'll save a lot of $$ by buying bulk over the borg - DAMHIKT!

[Barry O'Mahony]

I think with the assortments, you end up getting alot of things you don't need. So I just end up running to the store (the local Ace Hardware's are much better than HD for hardware). The only thing I do different is that I'll get the size I need, plus a size smaller and/or larger. The cost of the estra hardware costs less than the cost of gas for another trip to Ace, and I end up building up an ad hoc collection of hardware.

[Brian Hale]

I also keep a supply of threaded rod around for times when the right bolt isn't available.

[Rob Blaustein]

Thanks for the suggestions. I went to McFeely's web site and they have assortments of wood screws, but I couldn't find assortments of bolts (though they do have individual sizes). Harbor Freight has a somewhat limited selection--I'll check out Enco's.

[Rick Lizek]

www.mcmaster.com or your local hardware store
McMaster has been around for over 100 years and don't advertise. They don't use 800 numbers and don't send catalogs willy nilly like some companies do. Their service is impeccable and you can usually get orders the next day with regular UPS. They are geared toward the professional business but will sell to anyone.

[Rob Will]

Watch out for poor quality imported bolts.

In the smaller sizes I would start at 1/2" - 5/8" length. Also get yourself some fender washers, nylock self locking nuts, self locking flange nuts and various styles of lock washers.

You might be able to buy from a local industrial supply house and do quite well. Sometimes it helps to set up an account and keep your minimum order up, perhaps over $20. If you can, buy pre-packaged 50-100 count. In 1/4",5/16" and 3/8" sizes this will not be a big deal.

Don't forget sheet metal screws and a stove bolt assortment.

.02 Rob

[Ken Garlock]

Rob, take a look at Northern Tool. they have several bolt kits (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatDsp?storeId=6970&N=867+131&Ne=2).

[Steve Clardy]

We hava a local farm supply store.
They sell nuts n bolts by the pound.
Only way I buy them.

[Keith Outten]

Check your yellow pages, we have a local business called York Bolt Company, they sell every fastener known to man to local businesses and will also sell to individuals. They sell quality fasteners and the price is about half of the Borg or Ace Hardware. Anytime I need one I buy 100, this will get your inventory going real fast. I purchase square drive wood screws from McFeeley's, always at least 3000 of each size I need, they disappear so fast :)

[Matt Meiser]

I get mine at Tractor Supply Co by the pound.

[Dave Falkenstein]

I bought one of those plastic cabinets full of small drawers years ago, I think it was at Sears. The assortment included bolts, nuts and washers as well as machine screws, metal screws and wood screws. I refill the compartments when one size starts to run low. McFeely's has a round head machine screw assortment - catalog number 1850-RMA-8 - that includes a storage cabinet similar to the one i have.

[Dan Larson]

I like Reid Supply.

http://www.reidtool.com/

[Larry Fox]

another vote for Reid here

[Brad Schmid]

Rob,

You might also find what you're looking for at Fastenal
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products.ex?N=999602231&Nty=0
They probably even have a store local to you
cheers

[Mark Singer]

I try to stock a bit of hardware....screws in different lengths...I either keep them in their own boxes or transfer them to plastic cases that are divided. The small ones...for hinges and brass I have 2 seperate cases for. I always buy enough for each project and then a bit extra for stock. Extra hinges are very useful...I have Brusso Knife hinges and Blum in different configurations. Threaded inserts and shelf pins of different varieties...I have cabinet pulls that I use frequently...I have a couple of Hafele and the min order is 25 soI have stock. If I make ebony pulls I always make a few extra. Slides I usually by for the project, but there is a discount for boxes...so I buy boxes and end up with stock. Ball catches, ring pulls, lip pulls, door buttons in felt and plastic...Euro KD connectors, bed rail hardware...I have that too...lateral file aluminum extrusions from the workstations... Magnetic catches...corrugated fastners...Its like a hadware store....except the one thing I need ....you guessed it....nope,not in stock:confused:

[Joe Unni]

You might also find what you're looking for at Fastenal http://www.fastenal.com/web/products.ex?N=999602231&Nty=0
They probably even have a store local to you
cheers

Rob,

I've been to their store in Woburn, but not to the one in Lawrence...yet.

Give them a try,
-joe

[Boyd Gathwright]

Can someone recommend a source for getting assortments of these, as well as washers and other useful bits of hardware? As I put together my shop and modify things I seem to have to always run out to Home Depot to get 1 1/2" long 1/4-20 hex bolts, only to find when I get home that what I really needed was 2" long ones, etc etc. So I think it's worth a bit of investment to stock up on different sizes and styles of these sorts of things and those variety packs would probably be handy. I looked through the Griz catalogue, but didn't see much of a selection, and Lee Valley seems to have more specialized stuff. Harbor Freight maybe (I'm about to check)?
....Hi Rob, you are in the early stages of what I have been through. The following pics are a result of my ongoing efforts, though not complete.
30795 30799
.... The following link will give a little history that lead to these pics.
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=28694



30798 30797 (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=28694)




30796 (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=28694)

;) :) Good luck on your efforts :) ;)

.

[Rob Blaustein]

www.mcmaster.com (http://www.mcmaster.com) or your local hardware store
McMaster has been around for over 100 years and don't advertise. They don't use 800 numbers and don't send catalogs willy nilly like some companies do. Their service is impeccable and you can usually get orders the next day with regular UPS. They are geared toward the professional business but will sell to anyone.
Thanks Rick (and others)--I've gotten all sorts of stuff from McMaster before and I agree, they're great. For some reason I didn't think they'd have assortments, but I was wrong, they do. So I will probably go with one they have.

The other option is BoydGathright.com--hey Boyd, very impressive collection--maybe I should just order from you--what are your shipping rates? Seriously though, thanks for the link to your previous post, I hadn't seen it and it is useful.

I'd never realized there were different grades of hex bolts, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Should grade 5 suffice for general use in a shop?

[lou sansone]

rick is right about mcmaster carr... another way, but it does take time, is estate auctions. folks always have assortments by that time of life. sometimes quite decent ones with high quality fasteners
lou

[Tom Drake]

I use Tractor Supply Co. as well.

[Bill Lewis]

I was also going to suggest the Tractor Supply Co. You can buy several grades of fasteners by the pound. I always grab a few handfuls of whatever I think I need whenever I'm in there. I keep them in some plastic organizers (plano). I never seem to spend more than a few bucks at a time.

Another fastener strategy of mine is to "over buy" with any project. That is as long as what I am buying isn't too much of a specialty item. Whatever doesn't get used for a project goes in to inventory. This also works for electrical supplies, and plumbing fittings. Basically I buy the bulk, or "contractor" packs whenever justifiable and available. Even if I spend more now, I will save time and money later when I need that item again.

[Alan Turner]

Keith does what I do. If I need 6 X's, I will buy the box. It is usually about 1/2 the price of buying individually, and the left overs are great. In a while, you will have a nice collection. BTW, I seem to use a fair # of carriage bolts as well, esp. for jigs.

[Frank Eppler]

Always go to McFeelys for my screws. I don't seem to need that many nuts and bolts, so I just go to Lowe's/Depot.:)
Frank

[Kenny King]

I like Reid Tool. Here's a supply outfit i found recently that has no minimum order... that means you can order just one 5 1/2" 1/4-20 carriage bolt. Most places require you to buy in lots of 100. For thos I've been going to Jamestown Distibutors. Here's the web sites

Bolt Depot:
http://www.boltdepot.com/

Jamestown Distributors:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/


Note on jamestown, they specialize in boat hardware, so most of the screws are stainless or silicon bronze. Quantities are in lot's of 100. I found this a good site to order drills and taps. There's no minimum order on drills or taps and quality of bits is better than on other sites i've found.

- Kenny King