Model Train Journal

They have always been my "go to" source for good fasteners. I have, in the past, purchased reasonably good taps from them. They were great!

Last year's order was delayed two months while waiting for button head fasteners. I needed a partial order, including an 0-80 tap. After a month of effort I got them to ship, less the button heads (paid for). Still no button heads.

I just discovered - the 0-80 tap is oversize! Six tapped handrail post holes in a new boiler are ovesize! The tap is 3-flute (the best are two flute, spiral ground).
It is identified only by the legend "0-80." No manufacturer data.

Microfasteners is changing hands. I can hope that they will go back to quality products. Meantime I have to find a supplier of high quality taps and drills.

A lot of labor went into this boiler - I am a bit miffed.

My go-to supplier is mcmaster.com.

I would be ticked off as well. Unfortunately it seems that I have to do secondary checks on everything these days. I bought some electrical test leads awhile ago. About half had broken wires. Now I make my own.

bob turner wrote:Microfasteners is changing hands.

Did not know that. I do need to replace some smaller taps.

Last time I needed something small I found them on eBay....great price and free shipping, but little thinking on shipping -- put 100 1-72 screws in a zip lock into a regular envelope 1st class mail. Sorting machine ate 1/2 the envelope; still got here though...surprisingly.

You lucky guy. I am looking for a source of 1-72 FH brass. I only need a few, but hesitate to pay a buck each to Walthers.
The local Ace hardware may have them. Planning avisit next week for MAPP gas and 2-56 FH. I just finished a box of 100 this week.

bob turner wrote:You lucky guy. I am looking for a source of 1-72 FH brass. I only need a few, but hesitate to pay a buck each to Walthers.
The local Ace hardware may have them. Planning avisit next week for MAPP gas and 2-56 FH. I just finished a box of 100 this week.

Ace might have them but more than likely will order them for you. I really would have been happy with a dozen 1-72 pan heads, but had to buy 100. My son will end up dealing with the excess............