Screw you
 

Or more to the point, how badly are we getting screwed when it comes to buying screws.

I need to place another decent sized order for miscellaneous screws. I usually hit up mcmaster.com but the last few times the shipping costs have gone up considerably. So I figure lets get some comparisons going. These don't include the shipping, which it seems all these places charge a fair chunk to ship (anywhere from $8 to $15 in my experience, depending on the size of the order).

http://cloak.ws/rcc/buying_screws/co...rew_prices.gif

Obviously these price comparisons don't include shipping costs. That is where it becomes really difficult to calculate the best place to order from. Mcmaster can charge a huge amount for their shipping, other times they are more in line with actual shipping costs.

I don't know what the shipping is like with the other companies.

After I did all this research I guess what it comes down to is I still don't know where the best/cheapest place to buy screws is. But either way it sure does feel like we're getting screwed. Plus I now have a pretty little spreadsheet to look at. :lol:

With the price of steel going up things are not got to get any cheaper, stainless cost a little more anyhow; that coupled the cost of fuel going up shipping cost are going to go up as well.

Its a nasty little cycle.

Let me know size,length and quantity.I'll see what I can do.I've been having problems lately getting the ones I need but,if yours are more common,I might be able to help you.
Pat

ive bought from microfastners before. wont be long before i place another order, i'll have to check shipping.

Small parts catolouge has good, cheap screws. Like a 25 screw box of 3x15mm was only 4.50 or so for stainless. Prices have probably changed recently though.

I buy mines in bulk @ www.rcscrewz.com