Spare nuts, bolts and screws

[rescher]

Thanks. Very helpful.

[rescher]

Originally Posted by wyb2

If you keep a dremel (or equivalent) on board you can minimize your inventory by buying all your bolts and screws in 4" lengths (or whatever you think is longest you will likely need) and cutting them to size when you need them.

I like this. Great idea. Thanks.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by wyb2
If you keep a dremel (or equivalent) on board you can minimize your inventory by buying all your bolts and screws in 4" lengths (or whatever you think is longest you will likely need) and cutting them to size when you need them.


I dunno about where you are, but here in Oz the prices for 4 inch screws in s/s (if available at all) are WAY higher than the shorter lengths that one typically needs. The above practice is pretty costly if you want to keep a useful stock around.

For those of us who spend time well away from any vendor, on board stocks of hardware items are kinda essential. The gradual segue from inch to metric sizes, compounded with some differences between British standard and UNC/UNF means that we carry several kg worth of s/s nuts and bolts, screws, washers and other bits... and still sometimes find our stocks wanting. But what a joy when you actually find exactly the size and number that you suddenly need... almost makes up for the times you don't!

Jim

[skipgundlach]

On Board Flying Pig, we call it "Dad's Hardware Store"

My apologies for not having the original easily to hand to upload, but if you click the link, you'll go to my gallery (the one in the sig line) picture that's relevant:

Pictures: Flying Pig Interiors


The red rope lighting is on the underside of the mirror which drops down to keep all the bins from opening on a port tack, and lights when you raise it via a bullet switch:

Pictures: Flying Pig Interiors

Like others here, if I believe I'm going to need several, and have the potential for several projects, I buy a box of 100...

[sailingharry]

This thread has listed a few "favorite suppliers" and I'd like to chime in with mine -- albanycountyfasteners.com-- that has a great selection, great prices, and no shipping if you order over $20. Somehow, even if I only need $5 worth of parts, I can always find $20!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by sailingharry

This thread has listed a few "favorite suppliers" and I'd like to chime in with mine -- albanycountyfasteners.com-- that has a great selection, great prices, and no shipping if you order over $20. Somehow, even if I only need $5 worth of parts, I can always find $20!

I have purchased a couple of specialty fasteners from these guys and was happy with the price and product.

[Meanderthal]

My ratio of extra bolts is more like 150% of project needs. Partially for the sea tax--I paid it yesterday dropping a ubolt over the side.

All my bolts and bits get packaged in small ziplock baggies (jewelers size). I also carry extra eyebolts, padeyes, shackles, pins, hose clamps, small screws, and a small selection of wood screws. All are packed by size and type in the small plastic bags and stowed in plastic bins.

The pic below is as disorganized and low on parts as it gets bc we are installing a new solar-ready enclosure frame, and it is still easy to navigate quickly.

I've been whittling down to using just a few types and sizes of bolts and screws, but it is a process.

In a sea way, we secure the plastic bin lids with a little gorilla tape ;-) otherwise they are stowed in the (slowly being converted) vberth work bench or companionway tool drawers.

[hellosailor]

I broke down and bought a more expensive Stanley orange parts bin instead of the cheap clear ones, after one too many latches broke on the cheap ones. "No regerts" because the Stanley is tape-free.

Just remember, if you drop a Nyloc or other part containing plastic over the side--that's a MARPOL violation, mail in your check for ten grand and your conscience will be clear.

:-)

[GILow]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

.... But what a joy when you actually find exactly the size and number that you suddenly need... almost makes up for the times you don't!

Jim

Has this actually HAPPENED to you yet or are you, like me, dreaming it WILL happen one day?

[Meanderthal]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

I broke down and bought a more expensive Stanley orange parts bin instead of the cheap clear ones, after one too many latches broke on the cheap ones. "No regerts" because the Stanley is tape-free.

Just remember, if you drop a Nyloc or other part containing plastic over the side--that's a MARPOL violation, mail in your check for ten grand and your conscience will be clear.

:-)

Someday, but I'm a scrounger diy monkey, and this setup has lasted years....

So far no nylon lock nuts have fallen overboard within the three mile limit, so I think I'm good :-)

Probably should be more concerned by my husband's love of peeing off the stern rail, as that behavior is both illegal and listed by the AK Coast Guard as the number one reason why so many alaskan males die by drowning ;-)