Bulk Bolts

[Jeeper75]

Hey everbody, I am thinking about starting a bolts bin to keep in the garage. I was looking at the local rural king and some of there bulk bolts are dyed colors like blue and red. I know the ones at TSC are colored too but they are plain colors nothing bright. Is there an easy way to get the dyed color off? Paint thinner or something. Thanks Brad

 

[esvee]

Soak them in a bucket of acetone?

Edit: Didnt realize we were talking about anodizing. A soak in greased lightning should do it.

 

[Benderbt]

Im looking at doing the same thing... though i would post a pretty good deal but not sure on quality or what your looking for


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grade-5-Hex...263?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2344127767

 

[Cyberbear]

While I've seen aluminum fittings and such anodized in different colors, I'm not familiar with that being done to standard bolts. I don't think I'd want my bolts to be the different colors of the rainbow, no conformity.
Keep in mind that the usual bolts found in home supply stores are grade 2 and are too soft for use in automobile work, those used for cars are usually grade 5, and grade 8 are considered aircraft quality, and all are priced accordingly. Years ago I bought a large storage metal rack with pull out plastic bins for all my fastener needs. This sure beats running to the local hardware store each time a couple dollars worth of nuts and bolts are needed. Buying in bulk can save money in the long run.

 

[sselander]

I remember getting bolts from NAPA that were colored red years ago.

 

[laser3kw]

around here, the blue and red ones denote metric threads
usually, the SAE / Imperial / Inch threaded are cadium (silver - ish) or zinc dichromate (gold-ish) plated depending on "grade"

 

[finn]

I suspect the "dye" also contains a mild corrosion inhibiter, in addition to be for thread / grade identification at the checkout.

 

[sberry]

TSC has green now for grade 5, used to be gold.

 

[Jeeper75]

Yea, I will probably just slowly stock up grade 5 from TSC. Maybe try to get some metric later.

 

[southalabama]

Tsc locally have eliminated galvanized nuts and bolts from the bulk bins. Not sure what's up with that. The local managers don't know. I shop four different stores and only one still has galvanized. Hope they keep them.

 

[bob15]

I went McMaster and bought the yellow plated USA made grade 8 Lake Erie bolts. Price is very good. They can also be gotten through MSC and Zoro Tools (wait for a discount like they are having today and get them even cheaper).

 

[sberry]

I went McMaster and bought the yellow plated USA made grade 8 Lake Erie bolts. Price is very good. They can also be gotten through MSC and Zoro Tools (wait for a discount like they are having today and get them even cheaper).

Just out of curiosity,,, why grade 8?

 

[e30bradley]

I use grade 5 for everything unless grade 8 is needed. Grade 8 is rarely needed. I have been buying boxes of fasteners for at least 3 years. I have purchased from Mcmaster, pointe products, fastenal, ace hardware, tractor supply. Mostly mcmaster.

 

[NUTTSGT]

TSC has green now for grade 5, used to be gold.

Locally, TSC carries, Grade 2 normal silver color, Grade 5 green color and Grade 8 goldish color.

Is it possible that your TSC was putting grade 8 bolts in the grade 5 bins ?

 

[Jeeper75]

Stopped by Rural King on the way home from an appointment. The grade 2 bolts were $1.59/lb, Grade 5 $2.59/lb and can't remember grade 8. The color on the bolts does kind of rub off with just the finger. So it would probably come off with some brake clean. The bolts are Midwest Fastener.

 

[38Chevy454]

I think the color is there so they charge the correct price, grade 2 vs 5 vs 8. No idea for removal, but solvent may do it and would not hurt the underlying zinc coating. If there is any chromate on the zinc, it may also come off, which would have detrimental effect on corrosion resistance. Pretty sure the gold grade 8 is just the yellow/gold chromate coating. Grade 2 being silver is likely clear chromate (which actually has a very slight blue or iridescent tint). The grade 5 green may be dyed clear chromate coating.

 

[bob15]

Just out of curiosity,,, why grade 8?

No particular reason....other than the price for American made bolts is right. I am not a fan of buy china made bolts. if I could buy USA grade 5's, and needed bolts, I would definitely consider them. One thing you cannot do with a grade 8 is use it as a shear bolt.

I didn't mention the other bolt I buy because they are more money, are Bowmalloy's which have a tensile above well above grade 8.

 

[esvee]

Updated my initial comment. If we're talking about anodizing, soak your bolts in greased lightning.

 

[mikegt4]

As a few people have said they are dyed different colors so that the cashier knows what to charge you. It avoids the possibility of the girl having to compare each bolt to the picture in her book while you and every one else waits in line.

I have found Rural King bolts can be cleaned with brakekleen. Acetone or other type solvents may work as well. I don't bother to clean the dye off of my bolts except for special occasions. Even if you do clean them the marking on the head will tell you what you have.

 

[LUKE221]

Pretty sad day in this country when you cant even find bolts made here in America

 

[finn]

No particular reason....other than the price for American made bolts is right. I am not a fan of buy china made bolts. if I could buy USA grade 5's, and needed bolts, I would definitely consider them. One thing you cannot do with a grade 8 is use it as a shear bolt.

I didn't mention the other bolt I buy because they are more money, are Bowmalloy's which have a tensile above well above grade 8.

Wrong. There is no reason a high tensile (grade 8) can't be used in shear.

edit: I reread your post:do you actually mean to use it as a sacrificial bolt?
y

 

[Tuscani2718]

Isn't there a GJ member that sells bolts?