Where can I buy an assortment of small screws?

[Sharperthansticks]

So, I'm a tinkerer. (If you've seen some of my other non-selling posts, you'll know this.) I recently modded a knife and in so doing wound up shaving off too much of a clip screw head. Long story short, I had to drill it out, and I probably messed up the threads. This doesn't bother me too much, actually, as it's an excuse to buy equipment and learn another skill: tapping out new threads. I have my tap set, but I don't know anything about this process, nor what size screws I'll need. Where can I buy an assortment of slightly different sized screws like we use on pocket knives -- so if one isn't the right size, another one probably will be? The length of the screw isn't all that important, since I can use a Dremel to cut it down. The diameter and threads are the most important part. I think REK Knives can probably comment something very useful here.

 

[NWPM2]

One of the many excellent members here gave me this site:

https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/

They had an amazing assortment of things. If you know what are are looking for, I think you'll be able to find it here.

 

[NWPM2]

I don't know the specifics of what you are looking for, but, for Spyderco, I found the following: clip screws are 2-56, scale screws are 4-40 and pivot screws are 6-32. I think that generally applies to Colorado made Spydercos. I'm not sure on Taiwanese and Chinese. I did have an Amalgam and the clip screws were a little different threads.

 

[Sharperthansticks]

Well, I don't know what I'm looking for, but that is very useful info, N NWPM2 . Thank you!

 

[NWPM2]

I think that's the toughest part - decoding the screw threads, heads, etc. to figure out what you need.

 

[NWPM2]

Do either of these links help:

https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/Machine-Screws-s/664.htm

https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/metric-machine-screw-kits/MetMSKits.htm

There is also this site that has an assortment of screws:

https://www.knifekits.com/vcom/knife-making-parts-screws-c-60_81.html

 

[Wilfred17]

I bought a set of thread gauges ( think that's what they are called) just a plate with tapped holes both SAE and metric from the big river. It seams like there are only a couple/three size screws used even if it takes a different bit. Any of the knife making supply places have all kinds of screws cheap. At least the SAE sizes. I ended up scavenging metric screws off of cheap Chinese knives I had. Albany county fasteners has a huge selection as well.

 

[Sharperthansticks]

Thank you both very much, N NWPM2 and Wilfred17 . That information is very helpful.

 

[REK Knives]

Usaknifemaker supply has a bunch of American sizes that are common for knives... Metric screws are much harder to find!

 

[ekastanis]

To add to the good suggestions given so far:

• Fastenere out of West Hempstead, NY. They have machine screws down to 0-80 thread with various head styles, but only slot or Phillips drive.
• McMaster-Carr. They have about everything, including metric fasteners. Not the best prices on anything, and shipping is hefty for small-value orders, but they ship fast if you have to have it.