Automotive bolts where to buy?

[Timbatrader]

Ive always used these guys very impressed with how fast they dispatch same day delivery from Matamata to Edgecumbe in the BOP http://www.theboltholder.co.nz

[eldog]

I'm not going to recommend a supplier. But I am going to recommend learning the language.

Generally on a bike, bolts ain't bolts. They may be machine screws, setscrews or rarely, bolts.

If you can ask for exactly what you want it makes the suppliers job much easier.

I suffer from using bolts every day, not often having to use machine screws etc. Occasionally I need a refresher about naming other sorts of fasteners.

Cap screws, Allen head screws or Allen head cap screws can be a nightmare. Most stores have employees who only know what's written on the screen in front of them.

Appreciate the reminder about naming conventions etc.
I personally dislike gauge and pipe and pipe thread naming. But it serves a purpose.

But in the modern age. CAD programs ask for a standard to choose an item. The description it places on the BOM is usually rubbish, added by a programmer no doubt off a standard. Almost always the range of available items doesn't cover what you need. I often use bolts longer than 150mm - end up creating them myself.

Jap bikes tend to have quite shallow hex large diameter domed head cap screw not available locally. Don't ask how I know about the shallow hex depth.

Yes the terminology is important and helps understanding.

Thanks Grumph

[Grumph]

The fastener trade caught me out a few years back when they changed the terminology of something I used occasionally.

Socket head capscrews designed to go in a countersunk hole - which we always called countersunk heads - are apparently now officially "Flatheads"......

Locally, Blacks fasteners do quite a good wall chart - with pictures even. I'm sure others do the same.

[Kickaha]

The fastener trade caught me out a few years back when they changed the terminology of something I used occasionally.

Socket head capscrews designed to go in a countersunk hole - which we always called countersunk heads - are apparently now officially "Flatheads"......

Locally, Blacks fasteners do quite a good wall chart - with pictures even. I'm sure others do the same.

I'm pretty sure if I ask for countersunk cap screws they'll still know what I'm talking about

All those charts can be printed off their website, the threading and tapping chart has been very useful over the years

[Gremlin]

Not much to add, but second Blacks, Anzor etc.

I remember needing a bolt made, nothing came long enough in the configuration I needed, so it was custom made, coated etc. Cost $75 for one... It's those little things you remember...

[eldog]

Counterbored vs countersunk vs spot facing