Nuts & Bolts

[Fast_Momo]

Did a quick search..didnt see anything.

Has anyone found a good place for general 'tard allen bolts? I.e. not going factory $2.00/pc and could be picked up somewhat locally?

Regards,
Dan

[RUNnDUC]

If you have a fastener supply house nearby that will be the most cost effective per unit. That said the purchase is by the box. What you don’t use you can sell to others.

[Varmitcong]

Ace hardware carries some of them. Go to the stainless section only as the black ones rust if you breathe hard on them. I don't know what hardness they are but I'm almost certain they exceed oem.

[jboothe]

The button head bolts with a shoulder (fairings, shrouds, etc) are very difficult to find. The rest you can find on the internet http://www.desmoparts.com/ or locally at a hardware store. Just be aware that stainless should not be used for stressed applications (brake calipers, pinch bolts, etc). They do not stretch or give any, just break. You should also use a nickel based anti-sieze when mixing aluminum and stainless.

I went thru and replaced most everything that I could because I got tired of stripping the pot metal crap that's original to the bike.

[Varmitcong]

Originally Posted by jboothe

Just be aware that stainless should not be used for stressed applications (brake calipers, pinch bolts, etc). They do not stretch or give any, just break. You should also use a nickel based anti-sieze when mixing aluminum and stainless.

I went thru and replaced most everything that I could because I got tired of stripping the pot metal crap that's original to the bike.

Wow, I didn't know that. All the ones that I've used have worked fine and I haven't broken any. If what you say is true, then I've been lucky.

[AXE]

Every Ace Hardware around here has metric stainless allen head bolts in all sizes. Very sweet selection. I usually buy so many, I have my own Ace in my garage.

Out!

[Fast_Momo]

Originally Posted by jboothe

The button head bolts with a shoulder (fairings, shrouds, etc) are very difficult to find. The rest you can find on the internet http://www.desmoparts.com/ or locally at a hardware store. Just be aware that stainless should not be used for stressed applications (brake calipers, pinch bolts, etc). They do not stretch or give any, just break. You should also use a nickel based anti-sieze when mixing aluminum and stainless.

I went thru and replaced most everything that I could because I got tired of stripping the pot metal crap that's original to the bike.

Thanks for the replies guys..

Looks like these button heads might be an issue to get locally?? I will def. check out Ace Hardware, I forgot i used them alot for my VFR.

Also looks like for the more important stainless bolts (engine, etc.) desmoparts has a the kit. Did you get the "Ducati 2-Valve Belt Drive Engine Stainless Steel Screw Kit" Jboothe?

Regards,
Dan

[RUNnDUC]

Originally Posted by Varmitcong

Wow, I didn't know that. All the ones that I've used have worked fine and I haven't broken any. If what you say is true, then I've been lucky.

Stainless steel comes in different grades for different applications, just like black oxide carbon steel or zinc plated. There are the three basic grades of carbon steel grades”3”,”5” and “8”. Basically, the grades break out from soft and cheep for very low risk applications to tough and then hard for the other grades. Stainless has the same basic grades. For motorcycle applications one should be careful between choosing hard over tough. Selecting type A286 is the almost always a good choice, very tough very high shear strength . . . and the most expensive. A286 is used extensively in aviation and space applications. If it is good enough for manned flight, it is good enough for the next run on a “performance award”. In most applications, I choose A286 and NEVER had one fail. I spend the extra for the high-grade fastener so if I inadvertently switch between two incompatible grades and cause a failure. A with stainless steel always use either lube or locktite.