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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: aaronjb on 22 March 2013, 09:34:18

Title: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: aaronjb on 22 March 2013, 09:34:18: I've been trying to find generic U-bolts and I've tried everywhere I can think of - Screwfix, Wickes, B&Q, Homebase, Halfords (exhaust U clamps would do), but none of the stores you can walk in to seem to sell this kind of thing anymore..

Anyone know of a proper old fashioned hardware store or a fastener store somewhere in the Bracknell area that might sell them?

This is the kind of thing I'm after: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6mm-x-53mm-20mm-Nominal-bore-U-BOLT-IN-STAINLESS-316-/130476068067

Unless I'm doing it wrong and they have some other magical name that might throw them up in searches, other than just "U-bolt"?
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: MrMoffat on 22 March 2013, 09:47:30: Have you tried here:-

http://www.tubeclip.co.uk/Pages/UBolts.html (http://www.tubeclip.co.uk/Pages/UBolts.html)

Mike.
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: mantahatch on 22 March 2013, 09:52:30: This is good but not exactly local to you http://www.a2a4.com/acatalog/FIXINGS.html
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: Entwood on 22 March 2013, 10:05:50: Can you not just go to an exhaust fitting place and ask ?? I've done that quite successfully in the past ??
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: Gaffers on 22 March 2013, 10:06:26: Local trailer shop? There's one in North Camp if you are in the area :y
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 22 March 2013, 10:07:52: Quote from: Guffer on 22 March 2013, 10:06:26
Local trailer shop? There's one in North Camp if you are in the area :y

One a couple of hundred yards from me too. I could pop in tomorrow and ask if you like?
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: Rods2 on 22 March 2013, 10:27:02: Try Kings in Sandhurst. From Bracknell turn right at traffic lights by Rackstraws Premier Inn, Go past the Wellington pub, watch the speed camera of the left, go past the Shell Garage, over the mini-roundabout and the Parade of shops is on your right. There is quite a lot of parking, but it does get busy.

You can call them first on 01252 872219 or http://www.kingsdiy.co.uk (http://www.kingsdiy.co.uk) to make sure they have got what you want in stock. They are a proper old fashioned hardware shop and it is the sort of thing they would have, where they have a big bolts and fittings section.

Alternatively while in the area you could try the motor factors in Blackwater. Go to the Big Tesco roundabout. Turn right on to the A30, over Blackwater river and railway bridge, past the pub Bumbles and Lidl store on your left and there is a parade of three shops just before the 40mph sign. You can park in front of the shop.

If they haven't got them carry on up A30 to a roundabout, turn left down Hawley Lane towards Farnborough and about 2 miles down this road, just after going under the M3 motorway bridge there is an industrial estate on your left. The first unit is Camberley Auto Factors. It is their main distribution warehouse and they carry a lot of stock including exhaust clamps. On a Saturday I think they are only open until 1pm.

I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: aaronjb on 22 March 2013, 12:02:16: Thanks guys - I'll give a couple of those a call and see what I can find :) Thanks for the offer of dropping in to one Kev - it's not that urgent that you need go out of your way, though, I can pop out on Saturday and pick a couple up if somewhere has them in :y

I'm still slightly amazed (I don't know why) that none of our 'DIY' stores carry them - I'm sure they used to :-\
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: horsecow on 22 March 2013, 12:21:01: Dont know your area but personally I'd just drop into a decent builders merchants. I normally find the likes of B&Q, Homebase etc stock a whole heap of nothing! You cant beat an old fashioned builders yard where the guys know exactly what your talking about and aren't some college dropout who cant get any other job!
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: Rods2 on 22 March 2013, 13:47:35: Other though is any shop that sell TV aerials and fittings as holding the aerial poll to the fixing bracket normally uses U brackets.
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: aaronjb on 22 March 2013, 13:53:20: Quote from: Rods2 on 22 March 2013, 13:47:35
Other though is any shop that sell TV aerials and fittings as holding the aerial poll to the fixing bracket normally uses U brackets.

Yeah - Wickes and Screwfix carry one (just the one! ;D) but it's the enormous 'V' kind rather than a nice small U.. I haven't yet actually trogged around the stores to see if it's just something I can't find on their website searches admittedly as they were closed by the time I was looking last night, so you never know..
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 22 March 2013, 14:26:49: Quote from: aaronjb on 22 March 2013, 12:02:16
I'm still slightly amazed (I don't know why) that none of our 'DIY' stores carry them - I'm sure they used to :-\

Mainstream "DIY" stores are now a soft furnishings boutique for BMW/Mini drivers, IMHO.

The DIY element refers to pushing your own trolley between the shop and said car. ::)
Title: Re: Can anyone think where to buy U-bolts that's not the internets?
Post by: zirk on 22 March 2013, 18:30:39: If you get stuck for a certain dia size, you could always make your own with some Threaded Rod and a blow torch. ;)