Tools, Parts, and Pieces for BIY'ers

[mjncad]

I'll buy from Fastenal on occasion if I need something that one can't get at Big Box Mart and I can't wait for a McMaster-Carr or MSC Direct order.

My choices for getting hard to get goodies in order of preference:

1. McMaster-Carr.

2. MSC Direct.

3. Enco.

4. Fastenal...a distant fourth.

 

[AndyMA]

Good site, thanks. I recently learned we had a Fastenal locally, not sure how long it has been open but I was looking for a part at the local farm supply store and they referred me to Fastenal so I drove over there excitedly after learning we had one close by. I had never been in one
.
They have some items I wouldn't be able to get locally anywhere else but their prices floored me. I had just bought a piece of 3' angle iron for $15 locally at another place and since I was in there, I looked to see what they wanted for the same thing...about $70! The same Chinese made shackles and hooks that I get at HF were 2 1/2 times more expensive there.

Our particular Fastenal doesn't have much on the floor either but it is in a small building. The vast majority of their stock being specialty fasteners and a pretty standard nut/bolts selection, which is fine but I just don't see them staying open very long in our area.

I have to say, my limited experience with fastenal was not very good.

Most of the members are not Fastenal's intended customers. Like Grangier they cater to volume business and manufacturing accounts. None of them pay anywhere near the "list price" that most of are asked to pay. Fastenal will negotiate on price.

Andy

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Most of the members are not Fastenal's intended customers. Like Grangier they cater to volume business and manufacturing accounts. None of them pay anywhere near the "list price" that most of are asked to pay. Fastenal will negotiate on price.

BINGO! Just like NAPA, etc...back in my days of working for a large automotive dealership I used to buy alot of stuff on a "Cash Slip" made out to the company....50% off MSRP was common...things like Oil & Filters, the markups werent so high.
When your local garage "Gives you the parts for cost" that just means they sold them to you for the same price you'd pay if you went to NAPA...they made money on the labor AND Parts.

I will say though that Fastenal definetly "Takes care" of its regular customers....all in all, I'm a cheap guy and shop around online, locally, etc.. and I'm confident in saying I couldnt get my stuff any cheaper, and have any better service.

 

[shinnlinger]

Interesting catch-22,

Fastenal takes care of their regular customers, but at their street prices I would think they would have a hard time getting customers.

When I first bought my sawmill I went to Fastenal to price Lennox bands. They wanted $50 a blade when I could buy the exact same band from several suppliers for less than $18. I have not been back since.