Author Topic: Good Place for a Screw  (Read 4000 times)

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Rivet Miscounter

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Good Place for a Screw
« on: September 02, 2019, 12:23:06 PM »
0
Since there's already been two other topics about screws, I figure the "junior high" has been squeezed out of everyone already so we can move on...   :trollface:

I am looking for a place to order some tiny screws, washers, and a tap.  Specifically see the following link: https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/how-to-mtl-huskys-to-drawbar-units.31395

The tldr, I need:
- Somewhere between 20 and 50 qty of the screw referenced above (best guess info: 0-80 brass pan-head machine screw, length negotiable...1/4in should be plenty--but can be longer--it will be cut off and mauled per above article.)
-A complementary qty and size of washer
-A complementary tap for said screws

I'm normally pretty good with Googling these types of things but for whatever reason I've had little luck finding the screw depicted in the photo.   Seems one seller on eBay has them but only in qty 1000.   Walthers shows some close with slightly different profile that would probably work and I was about to go that route.   But, I know I've seen discussions here (again that don't seem to be coming up in search) for various online sources for small hardware.  (I've also tried the local HobbytownUSA which used to stock these or similar size, and also True Value and for grins HD but none had any 0-80 screws.   And yes, I did ask HoboTim as well and he couldn't recall his source.)  So, I'm waiving the surrender flag.

Thanks for your recommendations.
Doug

Rivet Miscounter

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2019, 12:35:09 PM »
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OK, so I did find reference to one of the places called smallparts.com but it seems to be defunct.
Doug

Dave V

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2019, 12:40:30 PM »
+1
OK, so I did find reference to one of the places called smallparts.com but it seems to be defunct.

Don't think you're gonna get a good screw from a place called "smallparts.com." 

 :D

You overestimate our collective maturity.

narrowminded

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2019, 12:51:24 PM »
+1
Woodland Scenics carries these sizes in their "Hob-bits" line.  A bit pricey. :|  https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/category/Hob-Bits

Check suppliers for discounted prices.

And here's another one.  https://jimorrisco.com/shop.asp
« Last Edit: September 02, 2019, 12:55:37 PM by narrowminded »
Mark G.

C855B

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2019, 01:10:52 PM »
+1
smallparts.com was purchased by Amazon and the selection of really neat small hardware was decimated (damn you for "screwing" yet another good thing, Amazon :x ). However, they have a nice filter for searching screws, but as it happens 0-80 is shown only in round head. (They don't list any 00-90, my most frequently-used size, but they do list 000-120. So stocking is sketchy at best.)

Anyway, I have also finally relented on what amount to wild goose chases. I now prioritize time over money, buying Walthers packs-o'-too-few when I happen to wander into a LHS, depleting stock in more than one store. Any LHS with a rack of the Walthers hardware line will have the corresponding taps and washers, and nuts as well if you need them. That is, unless you need 00-90 for something and I've been there first.  ;)  My biggest gripe with the Walthers screws in very small sizes is they are slot-head and hex-head only, and not the much easier to use Phillips-head found on commercial models.

Woodland Scenics carries these sizes in their "Hob-bits" line.

Thanks for the reminder... it's a relatively new line. Pricey, yes, but still appreciate the support.

Another source popped into mind - a fellow who sells a line of super-small hardware for automobile model detailing. Hang on while I check old e-mails...

...found it: https://www.modelmotorcars.com  Unfortunately, no countersunk screws, just bolts in a zillion different miniature sizes.

EDIT: Don't forget about Micro-Mark - https://www.micromark.com/search?keywords=0-80
« Last Edit: September 02, 2019, 01:21:07 PM by C855B »
...mike

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garethashenden

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2019, 01:41:02 PM »
+3
Micro Fasteners are pretty good: https://www.microfasteners.com/

C855B

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mmagliaro

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #7 on: September 02, 2019, 01:53:04 PM »
+1
microfasteners.com was my first choice too. By the way, if you don't care about them being brass, you can always get 0-80 screws from the drawers of specialty screws at hardware stores like Home Depot, Ace or Wilco or True Value. I was shocked that they stock screws that small, but they do. Only stainless steel, though. And no 00-90.  0-80 is as small as they go.

Ike the BN Freak

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2019, 01:54:54 PM »
+1
aliexpress is where I've found the cheapest screws in large quantities. I got bags of 100 00-90 screws for about $5 plus shipping.  Shipping can be a bit slow, as it comes from China, but last time I ordered took about 2 weeks

I've also got 0-80 screws there, they are available in different lengths and head types


Here are the ones I get to body mount MT couplers, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/790250291.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.pfcuf7&fbclid=IwAR0R-VFCOVgVoaGdeTQFMm9MLY5WpcmyPl-YUrdnXC97mFeoakz7vdT0qGY

And the 0-80 screws, https://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/0-80-screw/314699_254815572.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.100008.44.7aa6580dTYXmhF
« Last Edit: September 02, 2019, 02:01:10 PM by Ike the BN Freak »

peteski

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #9 on: September 02, 2019, 01:58:37 PM »
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Special Shapes Co. ( http://specialshapes.com/ ) has miniature screws, and lots of other items useful in our hobbies.  They had a minimal Web presence (just an online catalog, without ability to order), but their staff is very friendly when placing phone orders.  I've been using them for few decades.  Several years ago K&S Metals bought them out, but still kept their website intact.  However I just  went there now, and the website is gone, redirecting to the K&S Precison Metal website.  So I went there http://ksmetals.com/products.html and it looks like K&S has gutted the Special Shapes line of thin-wall brass tubing, and miniature brass shapes.  :RUEffinKiddingMe:  And their "catalog" is also only presented in Excel spreadsheet format!  :RUEffinKiddingMe:  :RUEffinKiddingMe:

It does show that they have hardware (screws?) available - you might give them a try.  I can't believe that another great source of modeling materials is gone.   :x
. . . 42 . . .

Ike the BN Freak

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2019, 02:02:42 PM »
+1
0-80 pan head in 1/4" length, 95 cents for 100, plus $3.68 for shipping

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1314628333.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.8.17797ea1FE5Gej

Rivet Miscounter

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #11 on: September 02, 2019, 02:39:17 PM »
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Woodland Scenics carries these sizes in their "Hob-bits" line.  A bit pricey. :|  https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/category/Hob-Bits

And here's another one.  https://jimorrisco.com/shop.asp

Well, so part of the problem I've had is using the correct terminology.   So it looks like "Fillister Head" is the proper way to describe what is in the photo on Trainboard.   So that helps.

Thanks for the WS link.  Those are the screws that Hobbytown used to carry, and looking at that Fillister head option it is most likely the one that HoboTim used.   MBKlein to the rescue...they had just enough in stock.  (in actuality, my current requirement is only 14 unless I lose/destroy one.  Guess 15 will give me one mulligan.)    I still would like to find a good source moving forward that are more reasonably priced in bulk.  So hopefully this thread will be of use going forward.

EDIT: The AliBaba option is certainly a good price.   I don't know if stainless is workable or not...probably.   But I was just following the "recipe".   Also, jimorrisco seems to have something very similar to the WS Hob-Bits screw...definitely something I might try for next go-round.   $25 for 100 (min order) but $15 for shipping so 40 cents each.
« Last Edit: September 02, 2019, 02:53:39 PM by Rivet Miscounter »
Doug

mmagliaro

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #12 on: September 02, 2019, 03:01:55 PM »
+3
The Special Shapes thin-walled brass tubing (the beautiful small sizes that had .006" walls as opposed to the standard K&S .014") disappeared from all the hobby and hardward stores at least 5 years ago by my recollection.  The hobby store owners all told me that they weren't making it anymore and I never saw the thin-wall come back.  There is Albion Alloys now, and thankfully, they make an even wider assortment of even thinner-walled tubing.  They also have smaller diameters in their range than Special Shapes ever had.  Here is a page from Des Plaines Hobbies that shows a lot of Albion's range:
http://www.desplaineshobbies.com/store/search/brand/Albion-Alloys/page4.html


Special Shapes Co. ( http://specialshapes.com/ ) has miniature screws, and lots of other items useful in our hobbies.  They had a minimal Web presence (just an online catalog, without ability to order), but their staff is very friendly when placing phone orders.  I've been using them for few decades.  Several years ago K&S Metals bought them out, but still kept their website intact.  However I just  went there now, and the website is gone, redirecting to the K&S Precison Metal website.  So I went there http://ksmetals.com/products.html and it looks like K&S has gutted the Special Shapes line of thin-wall brass tubing, and miniature brass shapes.  :RUEffinKiddingMe:  And their "catalog" is also only presented in Excel spreadsheet format!  :RUEffinKiddingMe:  :RUEffinKiddingMe:

It does show that they have hardware (screws?) available - you might give them a try.  I can't believe that another great source of modeling materials is gone.   :x

Faire to Midland

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #13 on: September 02, 2019, 03:18:32 PM »
+1
Fastenal carries small screws too, believe it or not.  They have to order it in tho. 

Or at least, they did, when I ordered some 100 pretty tiny metric screws a few years ago for a project.

C855B

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Re: Good Place for a Screw
« Reply #14 on: September 02, 2019, 04:27:29 PM »
0
Special Shapes Co. ( http://specialshapes.com/ ) has miniature screws, and lots of other items useful in our hobbies.  They had a minimal Web presence (just an online catalog, without ability to order), but their staff is very friendly when placing phone orders.  I've been using them for few decades.  Several years ago K&S Metals bought them out, but still kept their website intact.  However I just  went there now, and the website is gone, redirecting to the K&S Precison Metal website.  So I went there http://ksmetals.com/products.html and it looks like K&S has gutted the Special Shapes line of thin-wall brass tubing, and miniature brass shapes.  :RUEffinKiddingMe:  And their "catalog" is also only presented in Excel spreadsheet format!  :RUEffinKiddingMe:  :RUEffinKiddingMe:

It does show that they have hardware (screws?) available - you might give them a try.  I can't believe that another great source of modeling materials is gone.   :x

Crap. This is recent. I just checked Wayback Machine and the last "full" home page they have for specialshapes.com was November 2018. And yep, it looks like the thin-wall inventory is history. Shame.
...mike

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