Nuts and Bolts

[wolfram]

I need to buy an assortment of fasteners for the shop and projects. For what it's worth, I did some comparison shopping for nuts and bolts between Bolt Depot and Tractor Supply. I did not search Fastenal or the huge box stores (which are most certainly the most expensive). I just compared what they call Grades 2, 5 and 8 without regard to quality and the search was not exhaustive.

When you factor in shipping costs (about $0.50/pound, more or less), Tractor Supply wins easily on Grade 2 with Bolt Depot coming out cheaper on Grades 5 and 8. Anybody have experience with Bolt Depot?

 

[Thomas]

Good friend of mine did very well by going to mech. shop auction...even got couple bolt nut bin also brand new..might be worth checking news papers also b-boards.

 

[Soundguy]

speaking of the bins.. check out harbor freight.. every now and then they get good deals on bins.. some even with a small assortment with them. ( I'd consider the assortment gr2 even if it was higher.. )


soundguy

 

[ultrarunner]

I lucked out buying a Large Rockford Bolt Cabinet when a local Auto Part Store called it quits...

Nothing like pulling out a drawer with the right fastener.

 

[firemanpat2910]

good advise so far, I would like to add that when ever you buy hardware for a project, dont buy one or two parts at a time, get the whole box. Several years ago we started doing this at my best buddies house. He has ALOT more room(and money) in his shop. we bought 2 northern tool parts racks. and are steadily filling them up. It is so handy to have bolts, washers and such on hand. We also have 3 or 4 milk crates that have all the pvc fitting in them. Some times the box stores have a contractors bag of fittings where you get 25 for the same price as 10 or 12 individuals. we have a box for "drain fittings" also. Every time either of us do a project all extra peices go in the box. comes in very handy when making emergency repairs.

 

[kubob]

Made up several kits one year as X-mas gifts - bought a bunch of those boxes with different sections with clear lids and filled them with bolts/nuts/washers/lockwashers bought by the pound at tractor supply - everybody was happy with them at the time and even more happy as time went by and they needed a bolt or two, here and there. We did choose boxes that were a little heavier and durable with good latching lid due to the weight of the bolts etc. - got a good deal on those from Big Lotts.