Source for individual ARP bolts

[chevynut]

I have been buying my stainless ARP 12-point bolts from Summit Racing but you can't buy individual ones so it can be very costly. They sell nuts individually, but not bolts. McMaster-Carr sells a limited selection of 12-point stainless bolts.

Last week I found this site that sells any ARP bolts you want, whether one, two, or a hundred. Prices aren't bad either. They also sell chrome grade 8 bolts and lots of other hardware. Select ARP in the lefthand menu bar.

http://www.allensfasteners.com/default.asp

[chevynut]

I just noticed they sell taps and dies, drills, and lots of other stuff too. Wow, wish I'd seen that when I placed my order Friday.

[Rick_L]

Looks like a good resource.

I've always viewed ARP as a good supplier of specialty high performance fasteners. Their head bolt kits etc. are top notch. They are also the only source I know of for left hand thread bolts for Dana posi units.

But I don't have much use for them for "appearance" items. If it needs to be strong, I buy high quality steel, not stainless. If I buy stainless, the McMaster-Carr stuff fills the bill. Just me.

[chevynut]

ARP stainless bolts are 17-4 PH stainless, 170,000 PSI. That's better than grade 8 steel. Nobody else makes stainless bolts that strong as far as I know.

[chevynut]

I thought I had read somewhere they were 17-4 PH stainless steel but here's what ARP says:

"Stainless Steel: Ideally suited for many automotive and marine applications because stainless is tolerant of heat and virtually impervious to rust and corrosion. ARP “Stainless 300” is specially alloyed for extra durability. It’s polished using a proprietary process to produce a beautiful finish. Tensile strength is typically rated at 170,000 psi. "

McMaster 12-point bolts are ARP (I've bought them) and they say they're "18-8 stainless" or "450 stainless"

https://www.mcmaster.com/#12-point-bolts/=15jkuu7

In any case, they're not like the typical weaker hardware store stainless bolts and work great on any suspension application.Allen's Fasteners sells chrome grade 8 12-point bolts too. Wish I'd known that as they're a little cheaper.

[Rick_L]

18-8 stainless, otherwise known as 304, is roughly equivalent to grade 5 steel as far as strength. That's what the hardware store or home improvement store has. And most of what McMaster-Carr sells.

While 17-4 fasteners are probably available somewhere, they are not common. With 17-4, you need to pay attention to the heat treat. There are 4 levels of heat treat available with 17-4 bar stock. What I don't know is how 17-4 behaves when trying to roll threads. Probably not the best, otherwise you'd see more 17-4 fasteners.

[chevynut]

18-8 stainless, otherwise known as 304, is roughly equivalent to grade 5 steel as far as strength. That's what the hardware store or home improvement store has. And most of what McMaster-Carr sells.

I know what 18-8/304 stainless is.

So you don't believe what ARP says? They say their 12-point stainless bolts are 170 kpsi (so does McMaster-Carr). Grade 8 is 150kpsi.

[Rick_L]

Your post #5 indicates they are NOT 17-4, but are 300 series stainless. That's what my reply was based on. Just going off what you said.

Back to my original reply, I said I wouldn't buy ANY stainless bolt for a high strength application. Mostly because of cost. My choice would always be for functionality not appearance. And the appearance of a high strength carbon steel fastener is good for me.

[WagonCrazy]

Are you two finished yet?

Back to the post topic....

Great find Laszlo! This place has alot more than just automotive hardware. Click the "Miscellaneous" link on the left side of their landing page and check out all the other stuff. Best part of this find (for me) is they are 3 hours from where I live (Lake Havasu area)...so shipping shouldn't be cost prohibitive.

[NickP]

Are you two finished yet?

Hold on a sec. I think the conversation relative to material strength has merit so continue on. As to appearance/functionality, I'll choose function anytime. Not saying that appearance isn't something to consider if you're building a task specific unit but as mentioned, caution to purchaser pick properly.