Where could I buy some nylon screws?

[RobF]

Anyone know where could I get some 3-4mm diameter nylon screws (about an inch long) for a homemade adaptor I'm messing with at the moment?

(Have dug about at Bunnings a couple of times and couldn't seem to find anything)

[OneOfOne]

Try and electronics place like Dick Smith. Nylon screws are often used to mount electrical stuff. I think the last time I needed some, I got them there. Otherwise, try some sort of bolt outlet. In Melbourne we have The Bolt Bar and several others, I am sure you will have someone up there too.

[gary]

Jaycar

[Dennis]

I recall reading somewhere that nylon absorbs moisture quite readily? If that is the case, will the potential “swelling” of the nylon screws be an issue in your application?

Small Parts and Bearings (http://www.smallparts.com.au/)in Brisbane stock a range here:

http://www.smallparts.com.au/store/partslist/screwsmachinenylon/fastenersscrewsmachine/all/1/3/

Cheers

Dennis

[RobF]

Thanks guys. Some good thoughts there to try. I was aware of the electronics application but thought they'd be too small. Must have a look - Jaycar does usually seem to run rings around DSE these days for components and helpfullness. Thanks Dennis for Small Parts and Bearings. Looks like I should definitely be able to get something there.

[MrB]

DSE definitelly used to have some M3 and M4 cheese-head nylon bolts, I bought a bag of them years ago, it contained about 8 or 10 each of 12mm and 25mm long screws, and about ~20 nylon washers and nuts.
They might not have them now though as DSE is getting out of all that 'fiddly' stuff(components, kits etc) and concentrating on TV's, DVD's, PC's etc, so you may have to try a few stores for remaining stock.
Oh and have a look for it yourself, if you ask one of the monkeys they will just say they don't have it, even if they do.(They're more interested in sales of laptops etc)

The Jaycar screws are nylon but they are clear and look more like acrylic... dunno tho, never tried them but they look inferior to the DSE ones. To see them type 'Nylon fasteners' into the search box at www.Jaycar.com.au (http://www.jaycar.com.au/)

Smallparts are awesome, though a little pricey on some stuff.

EDIT: Have just checked an old printed catalogue, the DSE packs are as I remember, 10 each of 12 and 25mm, 20 washers and 20 nuts.
Cat# for the M3 pack is H1110 (http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/497d41c00b8d9062273fc0a87e0106e5/Product/View/H1110)(link to DSE), for the M4 pack its H1130 (http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/497d41c00b8d9062273fc0a87e0106e5/Product/View/H1130) and are about $10 each. Click the 'Availability' button for a list of stores that should have stock...

Disclaimer: Jaycar employee, tho not phishing for sales. Unless you want to drive to WA :D

[RobF]

Ta Simon. Will have to check it out. And thanks for the link - knowing the terminology can be half the battle. I continue to be amazed by Jaycar's helpful staff!

[ausastronomer]

Hi Rob,

Small Parts and Bearings, which Dennis already gave you the link to, is an excellent resourse for the "tinkerer" in respect to specialised bits and pieces for telescopes.

Cheers,
John B

[Kal]

If you have trouble finding the parts locally (not saying you will have trouble) you can order them from overseas at http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_nscr1.htm