nuts and bolts-where to buy them

burkhome · Post by **burkhome** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 8:30 am

farley wrote:disappointed in the box stores and Ace hardware.

where do some of you all get your nuts and bolts and screws and what nots?

went looking for "T" bolts, after first having to explain what they are to both places and then only finding brass ones in plumbing for toilets setups, where I had to buy more stuff I didn't need then what I did want in the package, thought I might have to start shopping on line for stuff.

while searching for an answer on the site I came upon small a discussion on magnets and computers, not wanting to hi-jack the thread, thought I would post this little info here.

Take apart an old hard drive.--it will take a few minutes, but inside is at least one super strong magnet.

I have a bunch I use all around the shop and at work. And if you know anybody who camps or is into wilderness. While you are in there the hard drive platters make a super mirror to, shave by, or single for help (emergency use) and won't ever break.

It is depressing to here that Ace Hardware didn't know what a t-nut was. These types of stores are one reason that hardware stores are on the decline. Even a small store should have an impeccable supply of fasteners.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 9:11 am

burkhome wrote:It is depressing to here that Ace Hardware didn't know what a t-nut was. These types of stores are one reason that hardware stores are on the decline. Even a small store should have an impeccable supply of fasteners.

I am surprised that farley had trouble finding what he needs BECAUSE he and I probably shop at the same two ACE stores and I find almost everything I need there. I have found that the secret is asking for assistance. The store is much like my shop - "little cubbies everywhere". You need to know where to look! - I often don't.

chucks · Post by **chucks** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 10:28 am

When I went looking for T-nuts I also had the same problem...founfd the at woodcraft....in Chandler. Bit of a drive but closer than Hoover Dam.

horologist · Post by **horologist** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:02 am

mickyd wrote:Every fastener except the highest tensile fastener ever developed for commerical sale......the F911 (aka Grade 9) at 180,000 psi.

Whadda ya think of that tensile Troy? Inconsistant but occasional ultimate tensile of 215,000 psi

Not bad. The strongest bolt we use is made from MP35N, and if memory serves has a minimum Ftu of 260,000psi. I'm not sure what they cost but expect the price is a bit more than your average woodworker is willing to pay.

Troy

horologist · Post by **horologist** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:08 am

burkhome wrote:It is depressing to here that Ace Hardware didn't know what a t-nut was. These types of stores are one reason that hardware stores are on the decline. Even a small store should have an impeccable supply of fasteners.

Roger,
This is a matter of luck of the draw. As a rule I have found the odds of finding someone with clue to be much higher at Ace but there are no guarantees. Our local Ace has a couple of old guys who seem to know a bit about everything and won't let you get more than about 10 feet into the store without asking if you need help.

Troy

farley · Post by **farley** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:25 pm

ok to be fair here is the complete story of shopping at my local stores.

I have gone to three ACE hardwares in my area.

all three didn't know what I was talking about, but I did take all three clerks over to plumbing and shown them what a t bolt looked like.

Toilet Bolt Set is used for securing toilet bowl to floor flange.

everyone said, they don't stock them in "nuts and bolt" so I brought it the toilet bolt set.

didn't need the extras pieces in the package, but threw them in the bucket at home.

of course since ACE has a policy of carrying 1 item of each, it took two ACE's to get two packs.

Home Depot was the same, showed the guy the stuff in plumbing, but not available in "nuts and bolts".

Order some on line from Rockler, with the shipping the cost is about the same and not in Bass as the toilet bolt sets are.

plan ahead and things end up costing the same.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 2:38 pm

We buy most common fasteners at one of the farm stores. When we need something a bit unusual we head for the local Ace Hardware. I think it may be better than some because it was originally a farm store before it became an Ace and they see things a little differently.
I usually have decent luck as well at Mennards for screws and stuff.
We also have an industrial fastener supply locally.
Then I hit the web but I try to buy as much as I can locally first.

hdtran · Post by **hdtran** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 3:01 pm

If you're looking for T-nuts for putting in wood, (like a threaded insert), I buy these at Lowe's. Home Depot also has them.

If you're looking for T-nuts for putting in a miter track (or T-headed bolts, same idea), Woodcraft (among others) carry them. Since you look like you're in Tucson, I don't know if there's a Woodcraft in Tucson.

There's a wonderful store in greater Phoenix (may have a branch in Tucson) that I'm sure carries these: Woodworkers Source.

Finally, an industrial fastener distributor will likely have what you want, but the minimum quantity may or may not get you.

Regards,

hdt

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Dec 05, 2010 3:39 pm

hdtran wrote:If you're looking for T-nuts for putting in wood, (like a threaded insert), I buy these at Lowe's. Home Depot also has them.

If you're looking for T-nuts for putting in a miter track (or T-headed bolts, same idea), Woodcraft (among others) carry them. Since you look like you're in Tucson, I don't know if there's a Woodcraft in Tucson. 6239 N. Oracle Rd, on east side of Oracle just South of Orange Grove. (A couple 200 yards North of Ace Hardware)

There's a wonderful store in greater Phoenix (may have a branch in Tucson) that I'm sure carries these: Woodworkers Source. 3441 So Palo Verde Rd, Tucson

Finally, an industrial fastener distributor will likely have what you want, but the minimum quantity may or may not get you.

Regards,

hdt

Both recommended outlets are in Tucson.

mckenziedt · Post by **mckenziedt** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 1:41 am

For all of you in Canada, a great place for bolts, screws, etc. is Bolt Supply. They have a huge selection, good prices and will sell you just one of a kind if that is all you need(no prepacs or blister pacs, although many items are also available in 100 unit boxes). The individual price is 1=1/100th of box price, so no extra cost buying the exact no. you need. They do have a minimum invoice amount of $5.00 though. So if I only need a few, I buy some extras or other sizes for my home shop inventory. Canadian Tire is OK too; prices are higher and selection is more confined to basic sizes and types, but thay are convenient and you can buy one 6cent washer if that is all you want. Home Depot and Rona used to be good, but about 3 or 4 years ago they doubled their prices and halved their selection. One weekend,(when B Sup is closed), I bought $78.00 of bolts from HD to repair a boat trailer. I didn't get at it that weekend, so on Monday I returned them all and rebought the exact same selection from B Sup, and paid $30.00!
I use mostly stainless steel when rebuilding a Shopsmith and for many other uses.
Don