41 replies to this topic

[benm]

what annoys me is some things are metric, and then some are bloody imperial!!!!!!!

oh ill just replace that rusty looking m6, ohh wait ,its a darn 1/4

[MrBounce]

I'm very lucky in that there's a very useful family run shop on an industrial estate near where I work. http://www.suffolkfasteners.com/ Don't think they do mail order though.

 

I don't know much about bolts, set screws etc, but I have several unusual bolts that hold the rear beam on to the Midas, and they REALLY need replacing. I needed 12 strange sized bolts, with appropriate nylocs and washers. It was no problem for them and only cost about £8. They're also happy to do "one-offs" over the counter - even for single items.

 

Can't recommend them enough

[Bubblebobble]

I used to use Oxford Seals And Bearings in Bicester . Any amount of anything , in any material or hardness  excellent service .

[nicklouse]

I'm very lucky in that there's a very useful family run shop on an industrial estate near where I work. http://www.suffolkfasteners.com/ Don't think they do mail order though.
 
I don't know much about bolts, set screws etc, but I have several unusual bolts that hold the rear beam on to the Midas, and they REALLY need replacing. I needed 12 strange sized bolts, with appropriate nylocs and washers. It was no problem for them and only cost about £8. They're also happy to do "one-offs" over the counter - even for single items.
 
Can't recommend them enough

Sounds just like who I used to use back in Huddersfield. Danlett you want it they have it. But no website.

[minisilverbullet]

I have my own supply!

 

http://www.britishnutsandbolts.se

[nicklouse]

I have my own supply!
 
http://www.britishnutsandbolts.se

Not surprising. With all the Yank tanks in Sweden.

Not sure that my mate Craig is aware of them though.

[Spider]

And what's a useful range of imperial threads - UNF or UNC?

 

 

On your second question, in regards to a Mini, you'll go through far more UNF fasteners than UNC.

 

UNC are generally (but not exculsively) used where a fastener screws in to a casting, eg, Thermostat Housing Threads are UNC. Just about all others are UNF.
 

[fenghuang]

Purists would hate me but I use the dreaded metric better range high tensile standard 8.8 (S equivalent) you can get higher grade 10.9 and 12.9. Secondly most sizes are available in multi grade SS as well.
They are also much cheaper !

Can you elaborate on tensile standards, and what is most likely to be useful for a mixed Mini bag? (I'm not a purist and I don't like spending money unnecessarily, so metric is fine by me.)

you'll go through far more UNF fasteners than UNC.
UNC are generally (but not exculsively) used where a fastener screws in to a casting,
 

Am I right in thinking those will invariably be hex head?

[frobnitzz]

The mixed bags seem a good idea, I wish I'd seen this at the start of my rebuilt to be honest! Then again, I only seem to be able to properly identify a fine/course and size by using known nuts (as in ones from minispares I know are xyz size so will fit on the bolt)... so the idea of trying to filter 450 bolts... haha!

[frobnitzz]

I'm no purist either! see left!

 

mmm socket cap head screws *drool* 

[The Matt]

I used to get free AN bolts from work and use them where suitable. Imperial thread, aircraft grade bolts.

[mikep12]

Purists would hate me but I use the dreaded metric better range high tensile standard 8.8 (S equivalent) you can get higher grade 10.9 and 12.9. Secondly most sizes are available in multi grade SS as well.
They are also much cheaper !

Can you elaborate on tensile standards, and what is most likely to be useful for a mixed Mini bag? (I'm not a purist and I don't like spending money unnecessarily, so metric is fine by me.)

you'll go through far more UNF fasteners than UNC.
UNC are generally (but not exculsively) used where a fastener screws in to a casting,

Am I right in thinking those will invariably be hex head?

Very few applications on a mini would require anything other than 8.8 but as I farm I use a lot for other applications where higher strength or hardness is required for example in applications that have severe operating conditions such as flail mowers and hedgecutters you need a very toughbolt or where you really never want to change a bolt again.
I think the only place you would use different would be bottom end and clutch but these are already higher spec. Don't ever bother with crap such as 'aircraft grade' as this only means you get the same bolt for a higher price but with a much higher run sampling rate.

[Dusky]

And I live in Belgium, cant find a store within 50 miles that stocks imperial..always order them on the bay now..

[Spider]

Before we start getting down to specifics on fasteners, what's your intended project?  I'm guessing it something to do with a Mini (of course!), but some custom work, total top to tail rebuild, front subframes, engine build????

[ROD]

I'm very lucky in that there's a very useful family run shop on an industrial estate near where I work. http://www.suffolkfasteners.com/ Don't think they do mail order though.

 

I don't know much about bolts, set screws etc, but I have several unusual bolts that hold the rear beam on to the Midas, and they REALLY need replacing. I needed 12 strange sized bolts, with appropriate nylocs and washers. It was no problem for them and only cost about £8. They're also happy to do "one-offs" over the counter - even for single items.

 

Can't recommend them enough

They are handy to know about, plus they are not too far away.