Is there a cheap place locally for Metric fasteners?

DMS General
1

I’m building a 3D printer and need a bunch of M3 and M4 socket head head screws/nuts/washers of various lengths. I’ve done some searching on Misumi, McMaster-Carr, eBay and even AliBaba but it seems that I would be buying WAY more than I actually need and of course spending more of my precious funding than is necessary. I mean, if I have to buy in bulk then oh well. But I’d like to get some other ideas first.

The BOM calls for:
Socket Head Cap Screw -
4 - M3 x 10
4 - M3 x 12
40 - M3 x 30
6 - M3 x 40
6 - M4 x 12
2 - M4 x 16
4 - M4 x 30
51 - M4 x 40

Flat Washers
90 - M3
116 - M4

Hex Nuts
40 - M3
28 - M4

T-Nuts
35 - M4 - 20mm extrusion
24 - Corner braces - 20mm extrusion

Would it just be a better idea to just switch everything to Imperial instead of Metric?

Thanks!

2

https://www.boltdepot.com/ is a good online source, Turner hardware is a good local place to check near the space

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3

Should have typed faster…

Have you priced the out at Turner’s Hardware, they should have them by the piece or box depending on how many you need.
Also, this link was posted on the board in the past few days:
https://www.boltdepot.com/Catalog.aspx

4

This probably isn’t much help, but a number 8 (imperial) washer is pretty close to the same size as a M4 washer. For 116 of them, it might save you a little money.

M4 ID ~ 4.2 - 4.5mm #8 ID ~ 4.77mm
M4 OD ~ 10-12 mm #8 OD ~ 9.5mm

Chris

5

Thanks for the input guys. I ended up going with BoltDepot. I just hate spending 1/3 of my purchase on shipping. I didn’t check out Turner’s but I do love getting lost in that place.

I was trying to stay with black nuts and screws but they didn’t have the 40mm length I needed so I switched everything over to stainless.

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6

The way I rationalize shipping costs is to calculate your gas mileage, your time, and the tax you would have paid, into a figure.

An hour digging through bins, a half hour driving, and 15~20 miles to the gallon, and 8.25% tax can negate a $13 shipping bill. :slight_smile:

7

Check your local Ace Hardware… They’re usually well stocked with stuff from M12 down.

8

I’ve bought new metric hardware for my old Suzuki GS1100 from Fastenal before too.

9

We had assorted metric fastener kits in the vending machine. But I’ve actually ordered M3 100 packs from Amazon, it’s probably not cheap but with Prime free 2 day shipping it’s nice.

10

B.A. Industrial Supply in Plano is my source. I get nuts in bolts in boxes of hundreds there and each box is usually under $5. 1308 Summit, Plano 75074 (972) 422-2366

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11

Awesome! I’ll keep these guys in mind!