Source for 6 inch stainless machine screws?

[Captain Smollett]

I've been looking for a while for some 10-32 x 6 or even 1/4-20 x 6 oval head machine screws in 316 stainless steel.

I ordered some from Jamestown Distributors last fall, but ended up canceling my order.  After weeks without hearing from them and not receiving my order, I contacted them and they said the screws were back ordered and they should have them in 20 days.  After about another 25 day wait without hearing from them, I contacted them again, and got the same reply - backordered, should be 20 more days.

I've had problems with Jamestown on orders in the past, too, but that's another story for another day.  Suffice it to say, though, they are not my favorite source.

But the problem is that I've not found anyone else that carries smallish diameter machine screws 6 inches long.   >:(

I may just go with threaded rod (with nuts on each end) and cut my own custom lengths, but...(there's always a but...), this is a modification of an existing piece which has been previously drilled and countersunk to accommodate oval head screws.

So any source on any one of the following 316 Stainless, preferably in an oval head?

10-32 x 6 (first choice)
10-24 x 6
1/4-20 x 6


Edit:  I can find 'em in 18-8, but would much prefer 316.

[rorik]

You might try these guys...... www.tacomascrew.com
Sometimes they have stuff no one else does, or they can order it for you.
Or maybe even come up with an alternate idea.

And I've had pretty good luck with these guys, too:   www.stonewayhardware.com

[Auspicious]

Try Fawcett Boat Supplies
919 Bay Ridge Road
Annapolis, MD 21403    

Contact information
Phone: (410) 267-8681
Fax: (410) 268-6528
Toll free: (800) 456-9151
Email: info@fawcettboat.com

Fawcett bought Chesapeake Marine Fasteners a couple of years ago. They have been struggling to find me M6 x 100 cheeseheads, but other than that I've been able to find everything I need from them.

[Captain Smollett]

Thanks for the head's up on those sources, guys.  I have contacted each and am awaiting replies.

I've been told from a reliable source ( ;D ;D , thanks, CJ), that no such critter is manufactured these days.

Unless I luck into something in the next couple of days, I'll be going with the threaded rod.

[tomwatt]

Unless I luck into something in the next couple of days, I'll be going with the threaded rod.

Curious, are you going to go with acorn nuts on the hi-visibility side? Lock washer(or star washer) to secure. Being a worrier, with twice the fasteners to check, I'd want to lessen my worry about fasteners coming loose wherever I could.

[Captain Smollett]

Curious, are you going to go with acorn nuts on the hi-visibility side? Lock washer(or star washer) to secure. Being a worrier, with twice the fasteners to check, I'd want to lessen my worry about fasteners coming loose wherever I could.

The visible ends probably won't have acorn nuts on them.  I'm going to try to get away with not using them.  Even if I do, they will have regular nuts and the acorns just for cosmetics / soften the sharp point, so to speak.

The hidden end (what would be the 'head' of the screw if I had them) will probably be secured with epoxy for several reasons.  Having that nut NOT get loose is really important.

[tomwatt]

Grog for that Cap'n!
Like I said, I'm a worrier.

[Captain Smollett]

Well, in an interesting twist, Tacoma Screw said they COULD get them...

For $28.50 EACH.   :o

I'm not paying over $200 for some screws, but ... it's nice to know that if the need were truly pressing, they can source this very hard to find item.

Grog for the Tacoma Screw recommendation.

[s/v Faith]

Ok,

  I can't stand the suspense... where on your boat are you using these?  Might something else work?

Inquiring minds want to know... (and me too).  ;D

[Captain Smollett]

Ok,

  I can't stand the suspense... where on your boat are you using these?  Might something else work?

Inquiring minds want to know... (and me too).  ;D

Handrails inside the cabin...one screw through outside rail, cabin top and inside rail.

I am using threaded rod instead...$11 for a piece long enough to make all 8 needed.

[Tim]

I am using threaded rod instead...$11 for a piece long enough to make all 8 needed.

Gonna be stronger anyway, I am doing the same with the Ariel

[tomwatt]

Really good suggestion... I've been thinking about tearing into my teak handrails... weathered and need rebedding anyway...