Comparison Shopping: Bronze Screws

[DrakeChristensen]

Here are the results of some comparison shopping for bronze wood screws. I've done my best to make this an "apples to apples" comparison. All prices are for 100pcs:

http://www.graceowen.com/images/Bronze%20Screw%20Comparison.JPG

Anybody got another source I can check? Any reason not to choose lowest price?

[Corrib]

Try Clark Craft /www.clarkcraft.com I think their prices are the best

Reagrds

Kevin

[DrakeChristensen]

Thanks for the tip. I checked out their prices. Here's their line:

Size ClarkCraft
#6x.75": $7.20
#8x.75": $8.10
#8x1": $9.40
#10x1": $14.00
#10x1.25": $15.60
#10x1.5": $17.30
#12x2": $31.00
TOTAL: $102.60

Again, these are for 100pcs. According to their website, looks like they sell primarily in boxes of 25 or 50 pcs.

Of the ones I looked at above, Bolt Depot will sell individual pieces. Others may as well but it wasn't obvious from their website. I also found a bunch of other sources that did not have prices online.

[Thorne]

To answer your question, order a few samples and test to destruction, then make the decision based on BOTH strength/quality and price.

For an accurate comparison, I think you may have to be more specific than just sorting them by size # and length. There are cut thread and rolled thread types, and a number of different bronze alloys.

Some are made overseas, some are made here, with varying quality even between batches.

Best suggestion I've seen is to order the smallest amount and test by putting several in a vise and twisting until they fail -- and comparing them to others of the same size and different manufacturers.

From the Jamestown Dist site -
-----

Traditional boatbuilders love these Silicon Bronze wood screws because they have cut threads and the full-bodied diameter shank. Unlike rolled thread screws with their reduced shank--these screws have a shank diameter that is the same size as the outside of the threads. This completely fills the clearance hole normally drilled for the shank thus creating a waterproof seal. Remember to drill a body hole for the screw shank and a pilot hole for the threads. All screws are threaded for 2/3 of the shank

From the McFeely's site -
-----

Designed specifically for boat building, these Silicon Bronze screws have cut threads and the full-body-diameter shank preferred by boat builders. Unlike our rolled thread steel screws with their reduced shank, the shank diameter below the head is the same diameter as the outside of the threads. This completely fills the clearance hole normally drilled for the shank, thus creating a seal. Made of marine grade alloy 651 Silicon Bronze for dependable corrosion resistance. Remember to drill a body hole for the screw shank, and a pilot hole for the threads. All screws are threaded for 2/3 of the shank. Made in China.

[Ken Hutchins]

It's been said many times on this here forum.

StaFast in New Bedford, Ma.

[JimConlin]

What Ken said about StaFast. My StaFast price list is a bit outdated, and I don't know who gets what discount, but I always found then quite reasonable. The product has been reliable.

The usual caveat about shipping costs. I've had surprises from a couple of these vendors.

[Jeff Benagh]

FWIW: The fasteners I recently ordered from Hamilton Marine came in boxes labeled "Jamestown Distributors".

[Steve Lansdowne]

Jamestown used to sell in small lots, even a few screws, but their current policy is to require you to purchase an entire box (of 100). That's a bummer if you only need a few of a given size.

[Texas Boater]

I have two questions:

Are you comparing the same type fasteners? Do they all have the same head style? Are they all cut-threads or are they rolled? These all have a factor in the final price and quality.

Are all these fasteners imported or are they manufactured in the US from US material? Again, this has a big affect on the price and quality.

[Ron Carter]

Bought copper tacks from Merton's for a canoe restoration based on price. They were so poorly cut on the tip they were unusable. Went back to higher prices and better quality. Only one sample but I was disappointed.

[StevenBauer]

Any reason not to choose lowest price?


Yes. I buy from Hamilton Marine since I can ride there on my bike. :D

Steven

[BrianY]

I've used bronze screws from Merton's and they have worked well. The threads and slots are clean and crisp and I had no trouble with them breaking when screwing into properly sized pilot holes in oak and doug fir.

BTW - Their ring shank bronze nails are also good - consistent size and shape, nice sharp points and strong.

[bott]

I don't know about quality, but this price schedule seems incouraging:

http://www.oemfasteners.net/flat%20head%20price

Any info on this company?

[ddeaton]

Ken,
Stafast have a website? I googled and all I got was the fastener people with all the oddball stuff from China.

[Ken Hutchins]

Her you are http://www.standardfastenings.com , call and ask for Pete Depres.

[ddeaton]

Thanks Ken

[Matt J.]

I just got 1700 fasteners from StaFast...

The silicon bronze screws are fully tapered from the end of the shank to nearly 2/3 down the threads, and taper again for the last bit...

Not the section I anticipated for marine fasteners.

[Pernicious Atavist]

i work for west marine, and would hope we could be competative, but....
Wdscrw-BZFHS#10X1.25 2295640 2086 Only $61.54 USD
geez! can you even imagine having to pay retail for these? omg!

[willmarsh3]

Do these price lists include shipping? Sometimes I go to purchase something online and get to the shipping part and come to find out it's almost as much as the product itself! Jamestown has been reasonable though.

Will.

[DrakeChristensen]

Shipping not included. I also checked one of the retailers recently and their prices have changed (increased).