ME Fastener Suppliers?

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

All,

Where are the go-to suppliers for model engineering fasteners? I need a load of BA nuts, bolts and studs for my next project.

Re. studding, is it best to buy in long lengths and cut to size, or do they come in standard lengths anyway?

Thanks.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

EKP is my usual choice except for 8BA nuts as they buy them in and are not such a nice shape.

Don't use studding myself I prefer to thread my own rod, they sell most suitable sizes for BA such as 9/64th for 4BA

[JAParticipant @ja]

BA Bolts of Cheltenham. A good fast turn round.

I have never found steel studding smaller than 8BA so I resort to cutting back small screws.

JA

[Rod RenshawParticipant @rodrenshaw28584]

EKP list 10 BA steel studding

Rod

[Guy LambParticipant @guylamb68056]

I've been using Mike Sandiford at Items Mail Order Ltd 01472 848880 for a number of years. Very helpful chap at competitive prices. No web site BTW.

[Dr. MC BlackParticipant @dr-mcblack73214]

I have been happy with purchases from Model Fixings.

The proprietor has a large website but sadly no printed catalogue

MC

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Thanks all.

[Oily RagParticipant @oilyrag]

Hope I can hi-jack this thread and ask if anyone has a good source for compression springs. I'm after a 3/16" diameter by 5/8" long MW spring of 0.20" wire diameter with about 3 to 5lbf rating. I looked at Lee Springs but their prices are stratospheric (£8+ plus VAT!). I looked at the EKP site linked above by Jason B but see they only offer a 200 box selection at £7 but the likelihood of finding a 3/16" diameter spring is pretty unlikely as they start at 9/32"! This is the same 'selection box' available at Halfords BTW (but at least it is cheaper!)

I desperation I'm about to smash up some 'clicky' Biro's if nothing prevails.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

Springs :- Kennions have a good selection, but they don't give enough information to work out the rate. I drew this to their attention some time ago but never got any response

[Roger WoollettParticipant @rogerwoollett53105]

You could make your own. – 020 guitar strings are on ebayfor under £2 including postage.

[Oily RagParticipant @oilyrag]

Thanks Duncan and Roger,

There is unfortunately not enough time left of my life to learn the art of spring winding! This is all in a bid to make something to make something else to allow me to make the final part!

Looks like 'Biro' smashing time!

[Dr. MC BlackParticipant @dr-mcblack73214]

Where are you located?

I have a box of mixed springs – I think it came from Maplin in their Closing Down sale.

If you are in or near Hertfordshire, you are welcome to visit and take your pick.

Please contact me off list

MC Black

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

3/16 " dia spring made with 0.20" dia wire ?

[Phil PParticipant @philp]

I once bought some 10BA studding from EKP and it was a bit undersize so nuts were a very loose fit on it.

I think the problem might have been using metric rod to produce it.

Other than that I find EKP very good.

Phil

[Eric SinclairParticipant @ericsinclair96776]

Lee Springs have a huge range, not cheap though.

[Oily RagParticipant @oilyrag]

MC Black – thanks for the offer, very much appreciate your consideration. Tried to contact by sending a PM but the link didn't work.

Roy – 3/16" diameter with 0.020" wire – sorry a typo!!

Eric – Yes my first port of call was Lee Springs – £8+ plus VAT + Postage = eyewatering!

Solution now at hand courtesy of a Barclays Bank propelling Biro! Perfect size and poundage!

Regards,

Martin

[Dr. MC BlackParticipant @dr-mcblack73214]

It was just a though. I have this large box of assorted springs of which I have used two (and dropped one in an inaccessible place!)

So having more than a lifetime's supply, I thought that it would be good to share.

With best wishes.

MC Black

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