Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

slotard · 03-07-2016, 01:22 PM

I'd like to have a good size kit of Grade 8 stuff around for the truck (and other things). Any suggestions on where to buy a kit? I see stuff on ebay etc but I'm afraid they're likely to be Chinesium rather than real Grade 8.

**brakenit** · 03-07-2016, 01:24 PM

Your best bet is to find a hardware store that sells by the pound, or possibly a Fastenal store in your area would have what you need although they'd likely be more expensive.

Jeepwm69 · 03-07-2016, 01:53 PM

Tractor Supply sells grade 8 bolts by the pound. Best place to get them by far.

68post · 03-07-2016, 01:54 PM

A farm supply store would have them along with a Lowes or Home Depot. I'd do the farm supply before the Big Box stores.

(Jeep types faster than me !)

77c10 · 03-07-2016, 01:58 PM

Your best bet is to find an actual bolt and screw house. They should be more willing to work with you on price. Fastenal is a good source but they normally only sell in box quantities and are usually pretty high. I've been in the fastener/construction supply business for over 20 years. I cringe at the thought of going to Home Depot, Lowes or any other retail outlet and buy fasteners.

Try Bay Bolt in Oakland. I found them with a quick Google search.

JWall · 03-07-2016, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepwm69

Tractor Supply sells grade 8 bolts by the pound. Best place to get them by far.

This is where I get mine. Priced by the pound.

tucsonjwt · 03-07-2016, 02:57 PM

All hardware I have seen lately from the hardware stores is from China (with us brand names on the box.) I even got some Chinese bolts from McMaster Carr.
I got a lot of grade 8 flange bolts for my replacement crank pulley online and they were from China but looked to be good quality. I would try both Ebay and online fastener suppliers and see what the price difference is. You will likely get Chinese hardware from both sources, but Ebay shipping will likely be cheaper.

I usually buy a larger quantity than I need to minimize unit shipping cost and sell the leftovers to others on Ebay when I am done with the project.

I think even the government can use Chinese fasteners now, as long as they meet ASTM certification and can provide certs with the shipment.

slotard · 03-07-2016, 03:02 PM

It isn't that the Chinese can't make good products, and properly QC'd/tested Chinese Grade 8 bolts are perfectly fine. I'm afraid that, when buying from an unknown source, I'd end up with bolts marked as Grade 8 but made of cheese (or whatever happens to be cheap).

There aren't any Tractor Supply stores around here.

68post · 03-07-2016, 04:21 PM

I have to buy quantities of 5/16 bolts and nuts for my business and freight is a killer even from OH to IN. Kinda spoils the deals that I get when they're "on sale".

1redbowtie3 · 03-07-2016, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeepwm69

Tractor Supply sells grade 8 bolts by the pound. Best place to get them by far.

Guaranteed to be from CHINA.

1redbowtie3 · 03-07-2016, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slotard

There aren't any Tractor Supply stores around here.

Consider yourself lucky, racial slur removed, I cringe going in there 10X more than Wally World.

slotard · 03-07-2016, 08:30 PM

I don't mind china bolts if they meet the specs they claim to, I just don't trust random eBay seller bolts to meet said spec.

1redbowtie3 · 03-07-2016, 08:45 PM

"Claim to" ...

They can claim what they want, I'll never trust chinese crap, and if it's made in china it's crap ..

S10Fan · 03-07-2016, 09:17 PM

Boltdepot.com

snaptoo · 03-08-2016, 02:20 AM

Check with a local machine shop and ask where they buy !We have a ndustrial hardware store , McFadden-Dale that I could spend hours in WW Graingers is another , Fastenal , Hope this helps !

Bigstevex4 · 03-08-2016, 10:39 AM

Grade 5 &8 bolts are counterfeited so much there was a major Bust a few yrs. back!. I worked for a huge Heavy equipment Dealer. They swapped from Lawson to Joe the rag man. I needed a short 3/4 bolt told the guys were just going to have to cut it off with hack saw. that will take for ever not with his crap bolts took about 30 seconds on a Grade 8 more like Grade 2. Lawson's the best they sell not so nice bolts also they have packages. what ever you get try a couple samples. compare with a hack saw side by side.

**old Rusty C10** · 03-08-2016, 11:27 AM

we have lowes home depot tractor supply Fastenal and grainger right in my area Fastenal is the cheapest by far in NJ and the most knowledgeable

truckster · 03-08-2016, 04:30 PM

If you have C-A-L Ranch in your area, they sell by the pound as well.

Jeepwm69 · 03-08-2016, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1redbowtie3

Guaranteed to be from CHINA.

Eh, probably. I've used them a lot on the farm. Never had one break, and I've done more to a 3/8" Tractor Supply grade 8 bolt than anyone will ever do to any bolt in a squarebody truck.

I imagine you'd have a hard time finding US made Grade 8 bolts locally anywhere these days. This country doesn't manufacture much anymore.

Lots of folks online say they have Grade 8 bolts made in the USA, but again, these days, are they really?

With chickens that are killed here, shipped to China for processing, and then shipped back still being "Product of USA" I don't believe advertisements much anymore.

Willie Makeit · 03-08-2016, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1redbowtie3

"Claim to" ...

They can claim what they want, I'll never trust chinese crap, and if it's made in china it's crap ..

please share with us where you're buying your "Made in USA" bolts.

slotard · 03-08-2016, 05:17 PM

As I said, I don't really care about COO. I'd prefer USA but it isn't that important. I just want the bolts to meet spec, and that means buying them from a known good seller. I might also do some basic testing (build a simple jig so I can test torque at yield - just a nut, some sort of spacer, clamped in a vise, with a beam type torque wrench, and compare it to specs that I'd have to find somewhere).

cdowns · 03-08-2016, 05:35 PM

we've got a bunch of fastener supply stores here in florida all selling high quality stuff// look it up in the yellow pages of the phone book to find them near you

GRX · 03-08-2016, 05:38 PM

MSC Industrial Supply is a good source for USA made fasteners. Though usually have to buy in bulk.

In my opinion, using Grade-8 for everything is a waste of money and materials. In many cases Grade-5, or even Grade-2, is more than adequate.

'63GENIII · 03-10-2016, 01:32 AM

Id check Danforth or Fastenal. I got the Grade 8s for my spring swap from Fastenal in Burlingame. I can tell you they are a tough to cut. Ruined a couple of hacksaw blades. Grinder worked well though. Orchard and Home Depot both had the softer bolts. I don't trust them anymore.

FWIW, if you're picking the bolts up from this side of the Bay, take the San Mateo Bridge. I heard the bolts that anchor the new tower of the Bay Bridge are cracking already. Whatever you choose, don't choose the same place as CalTrans bought their bolts! Lol

03-07-2016, 01:22 PM	#1
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts I'd like to have a good size kit of Grade 8 stuff around for the truck (and other things). Any suggestions on where to buy a kit? I see stuff on ebay etc but I'm afraid they're likely to be Chinesium rather than real Grade 8. __________________ 1973 C20, 350/350

03-07-2016, 01:24 PM	#2
brakenit Active Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Indiana Posts: 198	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts Your best bet is to find a hardware store that sells by the pound, or possibly a Fastenal store in your area would have what you need although they'd likely be more expensive.

03-07-2016, 01:53 PM	#3
Jeepwm69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 687	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts Tractor Supply sells grade 8 bolts by the pound. Best place to get them by far.

03-07-2016, 01:54 PM	#4
68post Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Indpls. , IN Posts: 795	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts A farm supply store would have them along with a Lowes or Home Depot. I'd do the farm supply before the Big Box stores. (Jeep types faster than me !) __________________ Tim K. 84 K30 srw Silverado 454 auto 85 C20 350 C6P auto flatbed 94 K1500 lifted shortbed 350 4 bbl NV4500 Last edited by 68post; 03-07-2016 at 01:55 PM. Reason: yup

03-07-2016, 01:58 PM	#5
77c10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Gallatin, TN Posts: 782	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts Your best bet is to find an actual bolt and screw house. They should be more willing to work with you on price. Fastenal is a good source but they normally only sell in box quantities and are usually pretty high. I've been in the fastener/construction supply business for over 20 years. I cringe at the thought of going to Home Depot, Lowes or any other retail outlet and buy fasteners. Try Bay Bolt in Oakland. I found them with a quick Google search. __________________ 77 C10, 6.0LS/4L80E, 3:73 12 bolt. Boss 338's 20" x 10" w/ 285/50/20 rear. 20" x 8.5" w/ 245/40/20 front. Vintage Air. Full Autometer gauges recessed in factory bezel (Thanks bigblock73!) Gm Storm Grey Metallic paint "Cool ain't ever cheap and cheap ain't ever cool"

03-07-2016, 02:57 PM	#7
tucsonjwt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,191	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts All hardware I have seen lately from the hardware stores is from China (with us brand names on the box.) I even got some Chinese bolts from McMaster Carr. I got a lot of grade 8 flange bolts for my replacement crank pulley online and they were from China but looked to be good quality. I would try both Ebay and online fastener suppliers and see what the price difference is. You will likely get Chinese hardware from both sources, but Ebay shipping will likely be cheaper. I usually buy a larger quantity than I need to minimize unit shipping cost and sell the leftovers to others on Ebay when I am done with the project. I think even the government can use Chinese fasteners now, as long as they meet ASTM certification and can provide certs with the shipment.

03-07-2016, 03:02 PM	#8
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts It isn't that the Chinese can't make good products, and properly QC'd/tested Chinese Grade 8 bolts are perfectly fine. I'm afraid that, when buying from an unknown source, I'd end up with bolts marked as Grade 8 but made of cheese (or whatever happens to be cheap). There aren't any Tractor Supply stores around here. __________________ 1973 C20, 350/350

03-07-2016, 04:21 PM	#9
68post Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Indpls. , IN Posts: 795	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts I have to buy quantities of 5/16 bolts and nuts for my business and freight is a killer even from OH to IN. Kinda spoils the deals that I get when they're "on sale". __________________ Tim K. 84 K30 srw Silverado 454 auto 85 C20 350 C6P auto flatbed 94 K1500 lifted shortbed 350 4 bbl NV4500

03-07-2016, 08:30 PM	#12
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts I don't mind china bolts if they meet the specs they claim to, I just don't trust random eBay seller bolts to meet said spec. __________________ 1973 C20, 350/350

03-07-2016, 08:45 PM	#13
1redbowtie3 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Hood County Texas Posts: 63	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts "Claim to" ... They can claim what they want, I'll never trust chinese crap, and if it's made in china it's crap .. __________________ 1985 K20 4spd 1978 K20 4spd

03-07-2016, 09:17 PM	#14
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,642	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts Boltdepot.com __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

03-08-2016, 02:20 AM	#15
snaptoo Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Las vegas nevada Posts: 26	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts Check with a local machine shop and ask where they buy !We have a ndustrial hardware store , McFadden-Dale that I could spend hours in WW Graingers is another , Fastenal , Hope this helps !

03-08-2016, 10:39 AM	#16
Bigstevex4 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Spearfish South Dakota Posts: 407	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts Grade 5 &8 bolts are counterfeited so much there was a major Bust a few yrs. back!. I worked for a huge Heavy equipment Dealer. They swapped from Lawson to Joe the rag man. I needed a short 3/4 bolt told the guys were just going to have to cut it off with hack saw. that will take for ever not with his crap bolts took about 30 seconds on a Grade 8 more like Grade 2. Lawson's the best they sell not so nice bolts also they have packages. what ever you get try a couple samples. compare with a hack saw side by side. __________________ 83 c10 long Box Daily Driver 90 Jimmy parked 98 Road King/ 06 Road Glide In memorium 63 impala SS/ 65 Chevy Panel 65 GMC Short Box/ 68 Camero

03-08-2016, 11:27 AM	#17
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,316	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts we have lowes home depot tractor supply Fastenal and grainger right in my area Fastenal is the cheapest by far in NJ and the most knowledgeable __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

03-08-2016, 04:30 PM	#18
truckster Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 7,984	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts If you have C-A-L Ranch in your area, they sell by the pound as well.



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03-08-2016, 05:17 PM	#21
slotard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 877	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts As I said, I don't really care about COO. I'd prefer USA but it isn't that important. I just want the bolts to meet spec, and that means buying them from a known good seller. I might also do some basic testing (build a simple jig so I can test torque at yield - just a nut, some sort of spacer, clamped in a vise, with a beam type torque wrench, and compare it to specs that I'd have to find somewhere). __________________ 1973 C20, 350/350

03-08-2016, 05:35 PM	#22
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts we've got a bunch of fastener supply stores here in florida all selling high quality stuff// look it up in the yellow pages of the phone book to find them near you __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

03-08-2016, 05:38 PM	#23
GRX Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,937	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts MSC Industrial Supply is a good source for USA made fasteners. Though usually have to buy in bulk. In my opinion, using Grade-8 for everything is a waste of money and materials. In many cases Grade-5, or even Grade-2, is more than adequate. __________________ 1969 c-10 Step Side Long Bed. I-6 250cid = = 1969 Pontiac GTO hard top. 400, 4-speed.

03-10-2016, 01:32 AM	#24
'63GENIII Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Carlos, Ca. Posts: 3,048	Re: Where to buy a bunch of Grade 8 bolts Id check Danforth or Fastenal. I got the Grade 8s for my spring swap from Fastenal in Burlingame. I can tell you they are a tough to cut. Ruined a couple of hacksaw blades. Grinder worked well though. Orchard and Home Depot both had the softer bolts. I don't trust them anymore. FWIW, if you're picking the bolts up from this side of the Bay, take the San Mateo Bridge. I heard the bolts that anchor the new tower of the Bay Bridge are cracking already. Whatever you choose, don't choose the same place as CalTrans bought their bolts! Lol __________________ Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29

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