True Roger, BUT . . .
My location (and I suspect this is true for many on this reflector) isn't
where a wide range suppliers is available. One just doesn't run to the local
store for anything, it is a trip to a large town or city taking a whole day
or more!!!!! There is an Ace Hardware up in a small coast town 6 miles
north, but while having some SS and other hardware it is very limited in
scope, mostly really common stuff. The next nearest hardware is a Tru-Valu
south some 30 miles in another small coastal town, same limited selection
but a little better. Some 30 miles to the north in Newport is a Fastenal,
again little in stock, most has to be ordered out of a warehouse someplace
so it is a wait. Next stop are larger towns in the Willamette Valley like
Albany, Corvallis and Eugene (some 2 hours plus driving time) or larger ones
like Salem and Portland (3 hours driving time). While there are some bigger
fastener shops most again have a relatively limited 'in stock' inventory and
one has to rely a lot on their ordering for you, again wait. Lots of driving
and lots of fuel cost let alone time and wear and tear, and I still have to
bear shipping and handling costs (the latter 'handling' bugs me as so many
I;ve run across are outrageous).
Where prices are similar, landed at my place, I try to spread my purchases
around. But I sure do the comparisons, not just unit cost but
shipping/handling cost, return policies, responsiveness and other
attributes.
For all it's problems, those company's who have learned how to sell via the
internet and do it with integrity, have capitalized and done well in what
today is a very competitive cost driven market. Who ever I purchase from, if
the service is good, I am willing to pay a little more to get what I need.
And, I make sure that those I buy from know whether I am satisfied or not.
If not, I tell them why vs grumble just to the XYL about it.
The US small business area from what I've seen is changing quickly in terms
of the market dynamics but most who have adopted quickly to a huge internet
marketplace seem to be thriving and growing more there than in across the
counter sales. Good to see people like DXE, Metalwerks and many other small
businesses who just feed the amateur radio operator heeding to and filling
in market needs. More important is most I;ve dealt with appear to be
listening to user inputs. I trust all will do well and that I will be able
to continue keeping my meager station running whilst being able to shop from
home at costs at least no more than what I'd have to bear if I lived in a
big metropolis where there is a lot of competition and the product selection
is extensive.
Support your local business, but don't shoot yourself in the foot doing it.
I chose to live here so know I have to live with the cons.
IMHO,
Don W7WLL
-----Original Message-----
From: Roger (K8RI) on TT
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2016 1:20 PM
To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Stainless Steel and Other Hard To Find Fasteners
Most any bolt supplier carries SS nuts, bolts, and screws.
Our local, "Prime Fastener," carries SS from 4-40 to over 1" in a wide
variety of lengths at very reasonable. Over the counter they will sell
just one or by the box. I assume most suppliers will do the same. It's
likely, most towns or cities of much size will have suppliers and there
are many on the Internet. As always, YMMV
73
Roger (K8RI)
On 7/9/2016 Saturday 2:48 PM, Don W7WLL wrote:
Was looking for a source for some SS 8-32 and 10-24 coupling nuts.
Searched the internet and ran across a place back east (from me) which I’d
not heard of, Albany County Fasterners. They had an very interesting
selection of SS fasteners among other types of materials. Also have a line
of brass and silicon bronze and a line of security fasteners which are
hard to find out here.
Compared the cost of the items and the shipping cost and found them to be
better than I could find at other well known fastener houses.
Placed the order, they shipped same day.
This is a new fastener source I will keep at the top of my list. Difficult
to drive to a hardware or marine supply store who carries SS fasteners for
less than what the Albany shipping cost was.
Just another source you might want to look into. Had not seen it pop up on
this site before.
Don W7WLL
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73
Roger (K8RI)
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