Having just started in this business, when I start a job, often I will have to make many trips to the hardware store to buy supplies. I can eliminate this by keeping on hand a wide variety of hardware. It would be very beneficial to have an organized section of various screws, nails, connectors, etc.
I was wondering what hardware (screws/nails/connectors etc.) people here all kept at hand?
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That can depend greatly on which aspect of "fine homebuilding" you do.
You could be a GC doing new houses, a tilesetter, a remodeler that specializes in bathrooms, etc.
Each requires a different set of in-stock supplies.
So, tell us about your biz, and maybe someone can advise you.
Just about everything. Think the last time I needed to go buy any hardware specifically was 4 or 5 years ago.
Have a few doors, windows, rolls of roofing, about 40ea 50# boxes of different type nails, 6ea 25# boxes of different DW screws, 8 ft by 6 ft by 2 ft deep cabinet with everything from 1/4" carriage bolts to 1-1/2" grade 8s, a few hundred feet or copper and pvc pipe, about 500 ft of 3" and 4" abs, drawers full of fittings, about 10,000 BF of lumber of various sized, a cabinet full of various joist hangers and truss straps, 10 tons or so of various sizes of angle iron and plate, 7 or 8 kitchen sinks, couple of spare toilets, about 10 extra trucks, 20 or so wheelbarrows, 7 trailers, about 10 faucet sets, enough switches, boxes, wire, plates, panels to wire at least 2 large houses, a couple extra garage door and 4 or so 1/2HP openers, probably 20 single phase motors of various sizes, a few hundred v-belts of various sizes, a few hundred pounds of welding rod and brazing rod, etc., etc. And that is just for DIY.
wait till ponytl sees this thread, think he has lots more than I do warehoused.
DW does say I need to divest of some of this.
Uhhhhhhm! I think he was talking about what he was going to carry on his truck ( now remember, he probably only has one truck, and probably a mid-sized truck.....no semis w/ trailers).
I think we should get you, ponytl, and rez together to see how many villages we can build with the stuff you guys have :)Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
man...that list got more and more amazing as I read. I was gaping at keeping 500 ft. of ABS on hand... but 7 or 8 sinks? I sure hope you are kidding!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
"Everybody wants to know what I’m on...
What I'm on? I’m on my bike, busting my ### 6 hours a day…
...What are you on?"
- Lance Armstrong
Not kidding, can't pass up a deal.
Couple of years ago, probably 6 years ago, HD quit carrying 20 ft lengths of ABS here in the PNW. 20 ft of 4" ABS was going for $6, 3" for $3, bought as much as I thought I'd ever use <G>
Cant pass up a stainless steel sink in the free pile at a garage sale either.
Even have a spare cast iron bathtub (not claw foot), but that is going to the scrap yard next trip.
etc.
I only have 4-5 sinks out by the shop
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
That's better than 4-5 toilets in the front yard.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
LOL
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Here is what I carry with me for my backup supplies of fasteners:
4 Plano plastic bins/trays with adjustable slots (found at Walmart in fishing section or lowes). These bins all fit nicely in a cloth tool bag:
1- various size screws interior
1- various size screws exterior
1-various size trim & siding nails
1- misc ( door hardware screws, structural screws, bolts, anchors, etc.)
1 med/ small toolbox - framing gun nails
1 med/small toolbox - trim gun nails
1 parachute bag with hand framing nails (galv. and reg.)
1 parachute bag misc. framing fasteners ( button caps, roofing nails, joist hanger nails, etc.)
1 small plastic bin/tray with elec stuff
1 small plastic bin/ tray with anchor stuff ( drywall, concrete)
I also have a small plastic bin/tray full of various size tapcons that I keep in my rotary hammer tool box.
All off these bins are stuffed about as full as I can get them. The sizes of fasteners is just a little bit of everything or what Ive found we run out of.
I was definitely thinking that I would make a portable unit for lugging all my hardware around, or possibly purchasing it as well, depending on what I can find. I may end up doing both, buying the individual containers and making something to organize/transport them. For junkhound: Thanks for the info, but I don't quite have the capital to build up those kind of supplies. As well, I don't have the contacts to source that stuff used. When I can, I keep what I can, lengths of wire, marrettes, lumber, some trim (old quarter-sawn oak mostly). But otherwise, I just buy it new. I'd imagine you also have quite the shop to hold all that stuff!
What type of work are you planning on doing?
don't have the contacts to source that stuff used
Don't worry, you will develop the sources with time. The trick is to never pass up free or super cheap hardware whenever and wherever you see it.
You should fill in your profile info (double click on your own name in the post heading) so we know where you are, someone here may be able to direct you to a good local source.
One of the good places to start these days (depending on where you live) is the free section of craigslist.com. Yesterday I picked up a free 55 gal barrel that had about 40 gallons of new blue cutting oil left in it, so finally changed the oil on the pipe threading machine (5 gallons), not sure what else I will use it for, can always burn it for heat or try it in a hydraulic system.
LOL, I check the craigslist free section everyday! I don't have much room to store things.Profile = changed :)BTWRight now I'm into small reno's and handyman stuff. I do need a wide range of hardware, but I'm not at the point where I need 10 tonnes of angle iron :p
I got lucky, I had a cloth toolbox that the plastic trays fit into perfectly. If you are going to go the plastic tray route, try and get the ones where the lid fits into all the dividers ( dont know if thats clear what I am talking about). This helps in keeping all the fasteners in their individual containers.
I also have 3 larger plastic bins w/ lids ( rubber maid I believe). In one I keep paint and drywall related supplies, one has glue/ adhesives/ wood filler-bondo-epoxy related stuff, and one is misc. ( cleaning stuff, rags, junk).
You'll probably have to tailer your system to fit your vehicle and needs. Pick a system that appeals to you, try it, and then start modifying as you come up with a better way.
All of this stuff for me I have as a safety/ backup. We are supposed to have all the stuff we need on the job site ( dont ask me how often I am dipping into the safety stash :) )Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
Yeah, first step, after organizing the tools, is to get some organized way to keep a supply of commonly-used nails, screws, and fittings.
I have a 5-gallon bucket with four (would hold six) "parachute bags", each with 6 compartments. Two of these hold hails (I have primarily galvanized, for most flexibility), and two hold deck/drywall screws (again, I have mostly treated deck screws, for the most flexibility).
Nice thing about the bags is that you can pick one up by the cord and toss it across the room and nothin falls out. Those round trays take more space and spill when you look at them.
Started carrying this when I worked with Habitat many years back -- was always walking around the site looking for the right sized screw/nail, and I decided it wasn't good use of my time.
Keep track of what you are needing now-moreso, buy up some more of what it is you are going for. Have a good organized system to contain it and sort it according to ?..............that is, what system will be easy for you to remember. Otherwise you'll be looking for it (if it's there) like the guy digging around the drillbox tray for that screw that you knew was in there.
The drillbox tray: My first drill was put in a box with a large tray on top. That started holding bits etc. Then I added to the etc. Before long there was a tray with every imaginable screw fastener-sort of organized to one side or the other. If I needed it-I had it-probably.
Drywall screws-all sizes-some tappers-mostly wood. Include 1-5/8s and 2-1/4 trimhead.
Framing nails-8's and 16's, roofers, drywall and some 4 box galv.
Deck screws2-1/2 and larger.
GRK acq compatible structural screws 4-1/2'', maybe some stainless or grk finish screws
Nails-4's through 10's in 5lb boxes-galvs and 16 casing nails-1lb.
Panhead screws-6 thru 12's in most sizes from inch to 2.5
Tapcons-ones for steel angle fastening-1-1/4 , furring-2-1/4, 2x4-3-1/4-mostly hex head and 1/4'', b/4 the rotary hammer-had 3/16ths.
Masonry and drywall anchors-from the simple to the not usually available. Think of every possible configuration of fastener use.
Shims, glue, panel adhesive.
All the tools that can fit and might possible get used.
Cabinet parts-hinge plates (maybe the rest of the hinge commonly used-Euro), pull/knob screws-from the stock length to the 2-1/4 breakaways.
Small corner irons-always have a need for one.
Some joist hangers/angle/ and hanger nails.
Roll of 6'' vicor.
Various types of caulk in the corresponding colors that you might need-1 tube of "clay" siding caulk will come in handy. Always carry 1 white and 1 limestone Urethane. Tube of roof goop. Don't forget the clears either-might get you by when white or almond don't cut it.
A good nylon rope to tie that bush back.
A good sized coffee can of Durabond 20 for that little patch. Pc of drywall if you can keep it tucked away and dry.
Jeez, be just as easy to take a picture of the inside of the van............
Double stick tape.
Of course blue masking, silver tape and the metal tape for ducts.
roll of paper towells, rags, and sandpaper.
Primer-spray or brush.
Some colors of nail hole filler, spackle............A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
One point is to look for stuff to do double duty. For example, GRK screws, while expensive, can be used for a wide variety of applications -- buy cheaper screws when you need a bunch for a job.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
Dan,
Either repetitive jobs or a whole lotta years is about the best primmer (that sp. don't look right) on what to carry.
You are absolutely right about crossovers. A clipped head on a 4 box makes a decent universal finish nail.
Remodeling-the Improv of buliding.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Yeah, a big part of it is regularly asking yourself, first, "What do I need that I don't have," and, second, "Do I really need all this ####?" You bounce back and forth between the two.The thing we can do for others is help improve the learning curve, to get to those "Aha!" moments quicker.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
You bounce back and forth between the two.
Yup, I keep different things in my tool pouch, truck, trailer, garage, and the company's storage building. All depends what I expect to need that day/week/month. And there's always something I'm missing, and something else I'm throwing away.
And that's what separates the men from the boys
the haves and have nots........
the wheat from the chaf
the corn from the husk................A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
The #### from the Shinola.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
#### from shinola,
Dan, you are a man after my own heart.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
This is my "justification" post. I will go through my daily tasks, and show what I have just purchased to accompany it. If you have anything to add, please do!I went and got a rolling plastic stanley box and some organizing bin containers. Its similar to the pail concept, except I went with the "spillable" containers LOL. Another thing I dislike about the containers is the magnet for drywall/saw dust getting mixed it. However, I really liked the tool box, and its portability/usefulness ratio. Then I went to a hardware store and I've started my collection with some basics.I do a lot of frame/drywall inside existing houses, so not a lot of structural modification. I need 3" screws every day. Be it for temporary solutions like blocking joists for drywall, screwing wood through drywall into studs, screwing wood as not to upset tiles behind, I always need these screws. As well, I need nails for framing, because they are cheaper than screws, and I find that a well placed nail to be more secure than a screw. So my list for this is:2000 8x3" Zinc Screws
3.5 lb 3 1/2" ardox nails (pardon my metric)
3.5 lb 3" for toenailing (smaller size maybe?)I do some exterior work, but I see decking jobs in the future. Mostly, I do repair work. For this reason, I bought less exterior grade hardware.2 1/2" Deck Screws
3.5 lb 3 1/4" galv I do drywall. 'nuff said. The question is, however, coarse vs fine threads. I would have purchased the 10,000 box, but they did not have them in fine thread. In fact, they didn't have anything bulk in fine thread. I've only really used fine thread, so what is the difference?
Before I buy longer screws for ceilings and what not, is there a general rule as to what lengths of screws I will need for common applications?1000 6x1 1/4" coarse drywall screwsTiling work, as well as most flooring requires strenghtening of the subfloor.1000 8x1 3/4" flooring screwsThe next on my list, in cabinetry work. I install a lot of cabinets, and do a lot of cabinet repair. As well, I do a lot of shelving. For shelving and closet work:
100 6x3/4 wood
100 6x5/8 wood for brackets and sliders.
100 #6 nickel finishing washers100 8x1 1/4 wood
100 #8 nickel finishing washers -> these screw two 3/4" pieces together.Anywhere there is excessive moisture, (bathrooms, laundry tubs, outdoors) and I need to install something, I like to use stainless steel screws. If no moisture issue is evident I'll use a normal screw.100 8x1 1/2" SS pan head screws
100 8x1 1/2" pan head screws Electrical. This is an area that I have stockpiled some items. Namely an assortment of marrettes, box connectors, recepticles, switches, wire, etc. I still needed more:100 #33 marrettes
100 #35 marrettes
100 8/32"x3/4" stove bolts -> these replace stripped or lost bolts for receptacles and switches.Finally, baseboard. I have a 18 gauge air nailer and a 16 gauge cordless nailer.18 gauge 1"
18 gauge 1 1/2"
caulking. LOTS of caulking ;p just kidding. I do know what the term scribing is, and how/when to use it.I don't do much aluminum, because I don't have a break (brake?) but I did buy:100 6x3/8 white soffit screws.So its a start. I will need more, but I have yet to determine what.
And don't forget 2'' recept. to box screws 6/32''
Cab mtg screw/joining screw.
A tube of Door Ease to lube those screws or Doud's beezwax.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
>>I do drywall......coarse vs fine threads..... did not have them in fine thread.... so what is the difference?<<
Coarse thread DW screws are for wood framing using 2x material. Fine thread DW screws are for use in steel studs OR wood furring.
>> is there a general rule as to what lengths of screws I will need for common applications?<<
Single layer of 1/2" DW = 1-1/4" screw; single layer of 5/8" drywall = 1-5/8" screw. Ceiling vs wall makes no difference.
>> 100 #33 marrettes 100 #35 marrettes <<
All right, I'll bite -- What is a marrette?
Wire nut by a different name?
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Thanks for the DW info! I think I'll use fine thread, if coarse is no good for metal (makes sense) then I can always have screws for drywalling, no matter the backing.
As for marrettes, lol, yes they are wire nuts. I was taught that they were marrettes, so that's what I call em. Maybe a Canadian thing?
Yeah, you Cunajuns are weird.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
Thank you for refraining from an "eh" joke.
:p
Eh?
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
Lob....
Spike!
I have two and sometimes three boxes for electrical, plumbing, carpentry. One box is for tools and the others are for supplies. Usually the supplies are just left overs from jobs. I don't have them in a truck so they are stored under a work bench. So if I have plumbing to do I take the tool box and one or both supply boxes. I usually have to stop by the store for supplies but I almost always buy a few extra to go in the box.
You now know what separates the men from the boys in remodeling!
I often comment that every different trade shows up with a full truck, loaded to the hilt, with every part and tool imaginable for each phase of the job. A jack of all trades would have to show up with a full sized 18 wheeler with a pup to equal all the specialty trades that work on one remodeling job.
I think maybe a visual of all these tools and fastenters and parts would be useful as a marketing tool.
You have to load up what you think you can use. When you make that first trip to the big box.....buy five times what you think. Then do it each time you go there. Pretty soon, you'll have a huge mess in your barn (no barn?????) and then you can throw it all out and start over.
FKA Blue (eyeddevil)
Edited 11/18/2007 10:52 am ET by Jim_Allen
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm getting a good idea of what I need to bring and what I don't have rooom for. I'm trying to get the basics covered like I had in my last post, and as I do more things, I'll stockpile on those. I like the idea of buying 5x the amount. I found that I was going to the store to buy the same thing too often.
Sadly yes, I have no barn, and no 18 wheeler.
Maybe someday?
Get your eyeballs on a McFeely's catalog - they have several different combo fastener outfits, with or without bins.
Everybody has specific needs, but I've often thought that McFeely's would be a good place to start. The quality is good, & the square drive system has advantages.
Yeah, it's a good idea to stick with square drive as much as possible. You'll still end up with some Phillips and likely some Torx, but the square drive is the best overall choice.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
Up in Canada, you'd be hard pressed to find a wood screw with a phillips drive. I totally agree that robertson drive is the best screw.
Mcfeelys looks like a pretty good source for hardware! I like their mixed boxes of fasteners. Cool idea.
" the square drive is the best overall choice."Ya kn ow them's fightin' words, dontcha bucko?;)Yours Torxicly
Piffin
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I know that no true Piffin screw has anything other than a Phillips slot, but sooner or later you have to let go.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
I've got a portable 4 drawer craftsman box thats filled with fasteners. I usually keep staples, four different sizes of "Piffin" screws, misc screws for hanging towel bars/ electrical boxes etc, cement anchors, duct screws, cabinets screws, Tapcons, & a hodge podge of other hangers and screws.
Having said that, I still end up at the store for an occasional fastener.
I do general handyman work, light carpentry, drywall repair, deck repair, etc.
I carry my nails/screws in a combination of milk cartons (cut down and labeled), peanut butter jars and the original package. My standard inventory evolved into existance over a couple of years. I can handle a wide variety of jobs without a trip to the hardware store, but if I can't, I don't feel the least bit apologetic for not being a complete mobile hardware store. I just might be carrying too much as it is.
Even as I wrote this list, I knew I would be forgetting something, but I don't feel like digging through the bowels of my van to inventory the rare and infrequently used items. And in addition to the list below, there are a number of tool-specific fasteners such as staples, nail-gun nails, etc. Those fasteners stay with the tool and not all of those tools stay in the van.
Here's what I carry:
Screws:
Drywall screws in every size from 1" to 4".
Exterior screws (Deckmate or Deckfast) in every size from 1 1/4" to 3"
#6, #8, and #10 sheet metal screws 1/2", 3/4" and 1"
Various wood screws
Various machine screws including common electrical screws
Nails:
1 1/2" drywall nails
1 1/2" roofing nails
6, 8, and 10 penny framing nails (coolers and/or common)
10 penny galv box nails
3, 4, 6, 8 and 10 penny bright finishing nails
8 and 10 penny galv finishing nails
brads (various sizes)
Misc:
wall anchors from 3/16" to 5/8" , wire nuts, picture hooks in various sizes, cup hooks, door stops, wire staples, various brackets and shims...
I'd add to that a few extra-long deck screws, out to six inches or so, and some 1-3/4" roofing nails (you need those for cap shingles). And some joist hanger nails or screws, plus a few generic joist hangers/brackets.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
And you missed the 16d commons. Several times I've been on a Habitat/church group project and I'm the only one with some 16ds. I kinda figure on having to replenish that pocket every time I come home.
If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader