JIS Fastener Suppliers

[noexit]

First, a shout-out to my favorite Seattle hardware store, Stone Way Hardware in Ballard. I realized about a month ago, when working on my CL350, that they actually have JIS metric fasteners.


For those that don't know, JIS is the standard used by Japanese auto and motorcycle manufactures. In the early 60s, this meant different thread counts on M6 and smaller, but after they standardized the the thread count, head sizes remained different than DIN (which I believe is the most common standard for metric found in the US). That's why your M8 and M10 heads are 12mm and 14mm on your bikes, but 13mm and 15mm when you buy replacements. Well I'm somewhat anal, and I hate running across a 13mm head when the rest of the bike has 12mm.


Anyway, to my question:
Anyone have a good source for JIS fasteners online? I love my local hardware store, but I'd like to buy a few sizes in bulk to have around, and they don't always have the sizes I need, and all I've seen online are flange-head.

 

[Reginmund]

If you aren't looking to save money by buying online, and just trying to find these in bulk try talking to the employees at your local hardware store. When I worked for my local Ace Hardware we were happy to place bulk orders for customers. They would come with our regular shipments at no extra cost to the customer, just regular retail price. Now you can probably save a few $$$ by finding a place online though.

 

[dielectric]

That's also why we so often round out the "philips" screws on cases and carbs and stuff. They're JIS heads, which have a different shape and a standard philips screwdriver slips out. Pozidrive is close but not perfect. JIS drivers are a PITA to find and expensive when you do. Since I live in America and not Japan, I just go with the DIN replacements. At least it's not like my old Chevy which had a mix of metric and imperial hardware!

DG / Ace hardware stores are way better for metric hardware than Home Depot, Lowes, etc. My local joint even has metric rod ends.