Keep From Going Nuts

[aka_locojoe]

I think there is something calming and therapeutic about dumping your can of nuts and bolts, sifting through them, looking for mates and matches. Even with all the failed attempts at fitting nuts to bolts I never get frustrated with the process.

Anyone else?

 

[xddorox]

Unless you need that one nut that you saw in the pile 3 years ago and it's all that is missing to finish your special project!

 

[xddorox]

Awesome picture btw Randy. Playing with your macro setting?

 

[aka_locojoe]

Unless you need that one nut that you saw in the pile 3 years ago and it's all that is missing to finish your special project!

Last night I finally found a particular small little bolt I was looking for then proceeded to drop it on the floor. I didn't spend much time looking for it on the floor. I gave up and went right back to the pile.

Awesome picture btw Randy. Playing with your macro setting?

Thanks. Yes Macro on a cheap little camera I have.

I remember as a little kid even liking to sift through my Dad's bolt box. When my Father-in-Law passed a way I was given his bolt box. I keep it separate from mine. Every now and then he has that one little thing that I don't.

Oh and remember.... don't throw anything away before stripping it of it's nuts and bolts. Besides basic tools I think a bolt box/can is a necessity for any shop.

 

[Ratfink1962]

I know what your talking about... I have several. One for standard car stuff, one for metric car stuff, one for bicycle stuff, one for household stuff. Most of the time it saves me a trip to the hardware store.

 

[aka_locojoe]

I know what your talking about... I have several. One for standard car stuff, one for metric car stuff, one for bicycle stuff, one for household stuff. Most of the time it saves me a trip to the hardware store.

I can't tell metric from standard from a hole in the wall. It's all trial and error with me. I envy you guys that can look at a nut,bolt or wrench and know what size. threads etc.. it is.
I hate having to interrupt a project for a trip to the hardware store.

I was working on bikes at a friends once. He has a really nice shop. All kinds of tools etc... But when it came time for something simple as a nut and bolt to hold a coaster brake clamp on he had nothing. I was shocked to find out he didn't have a nut and bolt can :shock:

Another pic...

 

[mikesbikes36]

who dosent have a few nut and bolt cans ....LOL
would be a neat tattoo ...i think !!

 

[xddorox]

Totally agree on the nut cans, no shop should be without at least one. That last BW shot is just amazing! You're giving me an idea for my next blog post and picture.

 

[udallcustombikes]

I have a 12"(w)x18"(l)x6"(d) drawer that I toss all my small parts in. Nuts and bolts, bearings, head sets, bottom brackets... I need to go clean it out now. Thanks, Randy!

 

[jerrykr]

Guilty! So far my SAE and Metric are seperated (I think).

 

[beatcad]

i love it!
i've got a bunch of bolt bins. i still goota dig thu stuff, but i try to be as organised as possible.
SAE is in one bin. metric is in another. stainless steel is in another fine thread is in another, chrome is in another, a smaller box is whitworth.

 

[snydur]

i have a whole bucket and toolbox full of these. i love finding a whole bunch of the same nuts and bolts, then thinking of some place to use them. :| but alot of the time i just get mad because i cant find the right sized normal nuts (whole lot of square ones)

 

[Critter1]

Ya I have that bucket of nuts and bolts.. I'll be looking for one size washer and it never fails that I sit here and sift and mate for five or ten minutes. Always come away from it with black finger tips!

On the other hand... I find it equally rewarding to head to my favorite hardware store that stocks EVERY size, shape, style of hardware you can imagine.. and walk away with with a complete set up of stainless hex & button head allen bolts for a project.

Whenever I take an "old" bike apart (50s & older). I keep all that "bike" hardware in it's own little container too..

 

[aka_locojoe]

In addition to the nuts and bolts does anyone have a box full of misc. crap like this? I've been digging in this box while making my latest headlights.

 

[Rat Rod]

I could actually use a box of crap like that.

 

[user 135]

I could actually use a box of crap like that.

Estate Sales. :wink:

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

I could actually use a box of crap like that.

Estate Sales. :wink:

hahaha!! (iced latte out the nose)

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I live fairly close to a hardware store so I just make a list and get all my bolts in one shot or I take them off of other bikes.

 

[MplsCoaster]

Great thread Randy!

I remember as a little kid even liking to sift through my Dad's bolt box.
Oh and remember.... don't throw anything away before stripping it of it's nuts and bolts. Besides basic tools I think a bolt box/can is a necessity for any shop.

I remember too. My Dad had mayonaise jars with the lids nailed into the ceiling. Man, they were hard to start threading :lol:

I actually sorted out a bunch of bike hardware last night because I couldn't find what I needed. "Retreat and Regroup" as one guy said.

I agree about stripping stuff down and saving it too. When I was a auto mech, people would always come over to my tool box and start rummaging through my junk drawer :x "Get your own junk!" :lol:
Steve

 

[Laidback]

In addition to the nuts and bolts does anyone have a box full of misc. crap like this? I've been digging in this box while making my latest headlights.

"Yes Sa!"... I can relate ta that scene :mrgreen: