Fastenal

[DT86]

I don't understand the whole bag policy. The local Fastenal I use has ordered just a few each of bolts they didn't even stock for me numerous times. Most recently was metric bolts for my Kubota tractor. Actually about the only time I use them is for hard to find bolt sizes.

There is a local farm store that stocks up to 1" sizes, up to grade 8 (no fine thread and no metric though) by the pound. All at one price by the pound (which I can't remember right now) except for lock washers that are a little higher, go figure.

 

[brain55]

I have a Fastenal account and use it for specialty stuff or when I am restocking a lot of fasteners. My biggest problem with them is their high turnover of employees. I hate having to retrain their guys, I would prefer my supplier knew more about their product than I do.

Brian

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I use Fastenal quite often. Their prices are midrange or same as others on name brand tools. They would get more of my business if they were closer. I have a True Value and an Ace hardware closer and both stock a large variety of hardware including graded bolts. The Ace is also a Lumber dealer with good prices. Also both give me a 10% Military discount. I quit buying fasteners at the big box stores as every time their stock gets slimmer on the stuff I need. We also have a local industrial supply Tacoma Screw. I buy a lot their also and they are closer than Fastenal. Heavy Industrial stuff I have to go to the larger cities like Tacoma and Seattle.

Ron

 

[paulharvey]

Ive used them quite a bit, but normally for a special order of say 3/4" x 4" plow headed bolts, or simething else that Home Depot doesnt carry. Ive found them expensive, but they order what you need. Now if you happen to pick up a socket or saw blade, count on double HD/Lowes price.

 

[Bird]

full bag policy is how they do it at our local Fastenal

I've only been to Fastenal once, and that policy kept me from buying or ever going back. Probably a good company for other large companies to deal with, but not for individuals.

 

[Zebrafive]

I have bought metric bolts from them several times. They always had to order them, but did not charge me a shipping charge. The clerk said the UPS truck comes every day any way. Then about the third time I went to pick up some bolts ordered earlier they jacked up the price about 5X what I was quoted online. Clerk I usually dealt with was not there. The Manager told me they had previously made a mistake not charging shipping. Also told me they were not interested in selling "onesies, twosies. NEVER WENT BACK. Even Dealer prices at John Deere was cheaper.

 

[Travelover]

I just needed just one weird metric bolt. The local Fastenal had it and insisted that I take it for free. I feel bad that I've never been back - just no need. They seem to be a franchise and the owner seemed like a hard working guy.

 

[jenkinsph]

I use Fastenal to stock my service trucks with hardware with good results. I almost always buy bag quantities and find there products to be consistent quality wise. I seem to have less issues with stripped out heads and snapped off shanks using their products. Compared to my other local suppliers with varying quality Fastenal seems to be a better choice.

 

[brain55]

I use Fastenal to stock my service trucks with hardware with good results. I almost always buy bag quantities and find there products to be consistent quality wise. I seem to have less issues with stripped out heads and snapped off shanks using their products. Compared to my other local suppliers with varying quality Fastenal seems to be a better choice.

As long as I give them the part numbers or pick the order myself. If I let their guy go through my drawers or I rattle off nut and bolt sizes it is hard telling what I may get. I've ended up with everything from heavy nuts to grade 2 bolts.

 

[Ed L]

I've always had good service from my local Fastenal store.

Never heard of the "full bag" only policy, I doubt it would work well in our rural area, they seem to do a good business with the "walk in" customers.

My only complaint with them is no Saturday hours.

Ed