McMaster-Carr. Expensive?

[Rockuf8]

The thing I like most about McMasterCarr is, I get everything I order in just one day, without fail. Plus where else can you choose a specific thickness of washer? Great for hard to find items.

 

[mmack66]

So I'm starting a minor project and needed some hardware. Specifically 3/8" bolts 4" long McMaster car has them here http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-cap-screws/=mx2eka
Cost is $14.81 for a pack of 25
So $.59 per bolt

Menards has them here http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...1_facet=3/8+Inch&criteria3_facet=Grade+5+Zinc
Cost is $28.19 for 50
So .56 per bolt

I understand three cents isn't a lot but with shipping its a losing battle to order from McMaster car. Unless there's something I'm missing?

Your own example has shown that they aren't.

 

[waggie]

the trick is knowing what your hardware store carries and planning ahead. There's something to be said to "have it right now" and McMaster cannot offer that. If i need a bunch of two inch 1/4 20 bolts right now, i'd go to the hardware store. But if it's 1/4" 8 32 pan head machine bolts, I know local hardware store only goes down to 3/8", it would save you plenty of gas money driving all around town.