At 09:24 AM 2/22/2005, Roger Borowski wrote:
><snip>
>Do a Google search for McMaster-Carr and get an education on hardware. I
>have no interest in this company but can say that they have all the
>specifications spelled out on everything they sell and usually have
>everything the sell in stock. They are not the least expensive source, by
>any stretch of the imagination, but they supply you with a wealth of
>information, in addition to great customer service, quick delivery, and the
>highest quality products.
They are truly a useful source, and as Roger says, they deliver fast (the
fastest I ever got something was ordering at 9PM one night and having it
show up UPS the next morning. They have a UPS dispatch center in their
warehouse(s).)
The prices might be higher than one could find elsewhere, but for small
quantities, it's hard to beat them, especially if time is money at almost
any scale. And, they generally have no problem faxing you data sheets or
giving you a manufacturer contact for the products if you have detailed
questions not readily answerable by the catalog.
>I have personally used them often, despite their somewhat high pricing, as
>it would be a sad day if this place went belly up. I know of no other close
>competitor with the variety of products they carry, nor the in depth
>information they provide. Want an education on wire rope or chains, there's
>also no better place. This is just one more item just taken for granted as
>many people believe that "one size fits all". They have an totally
>unbelievable selection with descriptions of the differences and strengths.
>Their catalog has >3300 pages!
And, it's quite the challenge to get a paper copy of their catalog. But if
you get one (even an old one) it's great recreational reading.. Sort of
like a scaled up "Christmas Wishbook" for grownup geeks.. It's also
available on CD-ROM, but somehow, it's just not the same. (Hmmm.. I wonder
if they'll have a PDA version?)
W.W. Grainger is another useful catalog, and easier to get, but doesn't
have anywhere near the scope as McMaster-Carr. Grainger doesn't have all
the odd-ball things and just plain hardware. More in the nature of HVAC
gear, plumbing stuff, motors, and whatnot.
Jim, W6RMK
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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