is there a UK equivalent to mcmaster carr?

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pucho812

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Oct 4, 2004
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calling  the diy members across the pond. I have a question....

Is there a UK equivalent to mcmaster carr?  I ask because when we do parts orders for screws(metric and imperial), nuts, bolts, and so forth we usually use mcmaster carr here in the states. Often times I have to ship  a portion of our order to my counterpart in the u.k. so I am wondering where you guys go to order such items? I am thinking it would be more effective if they could order with in country... suggestions are always appreciated.
 
I wish there was - and I'd love to know if there is.

As far as I know, there is nothing of equivalent scope. The UK is just not big enough and not enough people or companies actually make things any more for such a place to be viable. You have to go to several separate sources, and often pay over the odds to find parts like this with proper drawings and specs etc.

RS is probably the closest, but much less expansive, and somewhat more expensive.
 
rapidelectronics used to have a reasonably good selection of fixings, and the prices were good.  It's a year or two since I've ordered anything from them too.

 
well I don't mind sending from our stock but shipping can get expensive. If  they could buy local might be more cost effective.  allscrews and rapid look great. thanks mates.
 
I use this site a lot

http://www.pts-uk.com/

Mostly very nice stainless parts - quite expensive but I appreciate quality parts that don't get sucked into magnets....

S.
 
... and another with both metric/imperial, and a nice selection of precision sizes (starting at M1):

http://www.accuscrews.co.uk/
 
Try Raptor Supplies, they are based in the UK and offer a ton of imperial and metric fasteners. Their site sells primarily American brand industrial supplies

https://www.raptorsupplies.com
 
Hi Pucho

I am lucky in that I have a walk-in, old-style hardware shop in Aylesbury called CH Morgan (http://www.chmorgan.co.uk/).  You can walk in and get almost any metric nut/bolt, high-tensile, stainless steel etc., and buy them by the 20/50 or whatever. 

I don't know if they might do mail order, but worth a look.

Cheers

Mike
 
I remember posting this years ago,  a lot has changed since then.  My counter part and his division were closed.  I moved to a different company.  If there is one thing for sure is that in life the constant is change.
 
Misumi UK

Mechanical parts only, but more than mere screws and nuts. High precision locating pins, linear bearings etc. Quite a different market segment than McMaster-Carr (expensive!).
 
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