What's a good source for stainless steel nuts and bolts?

When I tried to remove my skidplates to change diff, transfer case and tranny fluids, I was challenged by old, rusty bolts. 3 bolt heads literally sheared off and another 2 rounded off bolt heads.

I didn't want to go through that again. So, I went to Lowe's, Home Depot and the local Autozone and a I couldn't find the right M6 and M8 stainless steel bolts. Plus, I just finished priming and painting my skidplates and now they deserve a higher quality bolt.

So, my question to this nice group of fine folks, that seem to pay attention to every single detail on their trucks: Where is a decent source of high quality stainless steel hardware? Aside from these skidplate bolts, I'll probably end up scurrying around underneath the truck changing any accessible screw, nut, bolt, washer. So we're talking about more than a handful.

Thanks Team Tacoma World!

 

http://www.mcmaster.com/#

 

I use these guys for my Harley. They have to be shipped but the quality is great. And very good customer service. They screwed up an order on me and e-mailed and called till it was fixed. Great place. Plus they seem to have everything I looked for. You can even get colored ones...ha


http://www.hillcofasteners.com/

 

I'm lucky, I have a great old style mom and pop hardware store near by that carries an enormous selection of nuts and bolts sold individually. Not sure what part of NY you are in but check Fastenal stores. If you can't find locally, McMaster Carr is a good resource but minimum ordering amounts may bug you a bit.

 

Local ACE Hardware.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNbw8V8HZDY

 

I just go to ACE/True Value where I can pretty much find any hardware in SS sold in single units.

 

Ace industrial stores usually have a good selection, but if you don't have one as bluegrass said, McMaster is the best bet.

 

I've always like ace hardware or tractor supply...

 

Grainger.com

 

Be sure to use anti seize on SS bolts.

 

Fixed.

Nothing like trying to break apart a SS bolt connected with Zinc hardware after it's been in the elements too long.

 

I've used these guys a few times. Good prices and quick shipping. I usually use their ebay store.

http://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/

 

If you are putting SS bolts on anything that is significantly load bearing, make sure that you take the different properties of SS into account. Steel tends to be more elastic than SS, and is available in much higher strength grades.

 

Nothing load bearing at all tgear.shead. OEM skidplates bolted to frame, etc. These tend to be more exposed to the salted roads of the northeast. Load bearing or high shear strength applications not in the plan for SS hardware exchange. Thanks for advice.

 

Checked Tractor Supply and the local Ace Hardware. They tend to have SAE hardware. I went to a different Lowes and bingo! A great supply of SS hardware, both SAE and Metric, neatly sorted in sliding, divided drawers.Thanks Team TW for all the suggestions.

 

where are you guys getting the sizes? I want to order replacement bolts in stainless for my skid plate as well as the bolts that hold the front bumper parts on. It kills me to look at the rusted knarly bolts on a year old truck

 

I tend to use Fastenal.com. Very comprehensive online catalog and a good network of local stores.

Stainless fasteners in commonly available alloy types (316 or 18-8) is going to be much stronger than a corroded alloy steel fastener of the same size.

When I ordered my BudBuilt skids, I paid extra $20 or so for the stainless hardware. Not sure where Bud sourced the stainless carriage bolts lol.

 

If you know what sizes you need you could try home depot or lowes online. There's tons of stuff that's not at the store. I know home depots policy online is free shipping to store or free to your home on orders over $50.

 

Now that I know exactly what it is you're looking to find bolts for, I'll tell you that I found Stainless bolts for the EXACT same purpose at our neighborhood Advanced Auto. The one's I got are socket head cap screws....(ie, allen head bolts)