Nuts & Bolts

The Ultimate Guide to Buying Nuts & Bolts in the US: Best Stores, Smart Picks, and Pro Tips

Why the right nut and bolt matter more than you think

Think nuts and bolts are boring? Think again. The tiny fasteners you choose can make or break a project — literally. Pick the wrong diameter, thread pitch, or material and you’ll be battling stripped threads, rust, or parts that wobble loose. Choose wisely and your build will be strong, safe, and long-lasting. This guide walks you through the best places to buy fasteners in the US, highlights useful products, and gives practical advice so you stop guessing and start fastening like a pro.

Top stores to buy nuts and bolts — spotlight on Walmart and Cerqular

If you’re shopping for fasteners, you’ll want a balance of selection, price, and convenience. Two names that come up often for different reasons are Walmart and Cerqular. Walmart is a go-to for everyday hardware items and volume packs at competitive prices, while Cerqular appears more niche, catering to specialty case holders and screws. Below I break down what each one is best for and how to decide which suits your project.

Walmart: value, variety, and bulk packs

Walmart carries a wide range of fasteners — from tiny machine screws for electronics to heavy carriage bolts for structural work. You’ll find stainless steel options like 316-grade screws for corrosion resistance and stainless 18-8 nuts and bolts for general-purpose use. Walmart is also a place to get large assortments, for example, multi-thousand-piece kits and packs of 100 to 300 pieces for common sizes like 3/8"-16 carriage bolts that are ready for deck and fence work. If you want straightforward shopping and low prices, start here.

Cerqular: specialty case holders and precision screws

Cerqular tends to focus on smaller, more specialized components — think case holders, precision screws, and hardware parts used in electronics and small assemblies. If you’re repairing a device or building small enclosures where tolerances matter, Cerqular-like specialty suppliers can save you time hunting for the exact head style, length, or thread form you need. For hobbyists and small-scale makers, that precision pays off.

Other top US stores for nuts and bolts you should know

Beyond Walmart and niche suppliers, several US retailers serve distinct needs: big-box convenience, industrial-grade inventory, and specialty fasteners. Knowing which to visit depending on the job saves money and frustration.

Home Depot and Lowe’s: convenient and accessible

Home Depot and Lowe’s are solid choices for homeowners and DIYers. They stock common sizes, anchor bolts, structural lag bolts, and deck screws. You’ll find handy assortments and clear labeling in inches — for example, 1/4"-20 machine screws or 3/8"-16 carriage bolts in lengths from 1/2" to 6". These stores also carry the hand and power tools you need to install them, so you can get everything in one trip.

McMaster-Carr and Grainger: industrial-grade and specialty stock

When you need fasteners that meet strict specs — uncommon thread forms, high-strength grades, or exotic materials — McMaster-Carr and Grainger are the places to go. They offer a huge catalog of items like Grade 5 coarse-thread bolt assortments, ANSI/ASME-standard parts, and quick filters to find precisely the diameter and length in inches. These suppliers are ideal for professionals and advanced hobbyists who need consistent, certified parts.

Common fastener types and when to use each

Let’s break down the usual suspects so you stop buying the wrong fastener for the job. Knowing the difference between a carriage bolt and a machine screw, or a socket cap and a hex bolt, is half the battle.

Bolts vs. machine screws

Bolts are usually used with nuts to clamp parts together and are sized by diameter and length in inches — for instance, a 3/8"-16 x 1 1/2" carriage bolt. Machine screws are typically turned into tapped holes or used with nuts and come in finer sizes like #4-40 for tiny assemblies. Choose bolts for heavy clamping and machine screws for precision tasks.

Carriage bolts, socket cap screws, and lock nuts

Carriage bolts have a rounded head and square neck to prevent turning — common in wood-to-metal connections. Socket cap screws have an internal hex drive and are used where a flush head and high tensile strength are needed. Nylon-insert lock nuts (often labeled as “nyloc”) contain a nylon ring that resists loosening; for example, thin pattern 3/4"-16 nylon-insert hex lock nuts are great where vibration could shake a standard nut loose.

Materials and grades — what each means for your build

Material choice determines corrosion resistance, appearance, and strength. Grade markings tell you how strong a bolt is. Use the right combo for safety and longevity.

Stainless steel vs. carbon steel (Grade 5 and higher)

Stainless steel (often 18-8 or 316) is your pick for outdoor, marine, or corrosive environments. 316 stainless is especially resistant to saltwater. Carbon steel bolts are cheaper and stronger in many structural applications; Grade 5 bolts are a common medium-strength choice found in many automotive and construction uses. If you need extra strength for heavy machinery, step up to Grade 8. Always match the nut’s material or be aware of galvanic issues when mixing metals.

How to choose the right size and thread in imperial units

Measuring fasteners in inches is straightforward once you know the basics: diameter, length, and threads per inch (TPI). Diameter is usually given as a fraction like 3/8" or as a number size for small screws (#4, #6). Length is measured from under the head for bolts and from the head top for some screws. Threads are given in TPI; common values are 16 TPI for 3/8"-16 coarse thread bolts.

Matching nuts and bolts: a quick checklist

To mate parts successfully: 1) match diameter (3/8" vs. 1/4"), 2) match the TPI (16 TPI vs. 24 TPI), and 3) use compatible strength and material. If a bolt is 3/8"-16, the nut must also be 3/8"-16. Trying to force a slightly different pitch will ruin threads and reduce clamping strength.

Buying bulk packs vs. small quantities — when each makes sense

Bulk packs save money per piece and are great if you reuse common sizes frequently. For example, a 300-count pack of 3/8"-16 x 1 1/2" carriage bolts is perfect for contractors doing decking or fencing. On the other hand, a 100-piece or smaller pack makes sense for occasional repairs or hobby projects where you won’t use a thousand identical fasteners. Assortment kits — sometimes 2,230-piece Grade 5 assortments — are ideal for garages and shops that service lots of different projects.

Tools and accessories that make installation easier

Keep a small toolbox of essentials: a set of sockets and wrenches sized in inches, a torque wrench that reads ft·lb, a thread gauge for TPI, pliers, and impact drivers. For plumbing or tricky fixtures, specialized tools like the Jones Stephens J40035 lavatory nut removal tool can save you time. If you work with small electronics, a tiny Allen key set and precision screwdrivers are must-haves.

Practical projects and the fasteners they need

Different projects call for different fasteners. Building a deck typically uses lag screws and carriage bolts like 3/8"-16 bolts for structural connections, while automotive applications often call for Grade 5 or Grade 8 bolts depending on the load. Furniture uses machine screws and cabinet bolts in smaller diameters like 1/4"-20 or #8-32. For electronics, tiny socket cap screws and machine screws in sizes around 1/16" diameter and lengths under 1/2" are common.

Automotive tips: what to use where

For suspension and bridge-like connections, use higher-grade bolts — Grade 5 is common for many bolts under bending and shear, but for more critical areas use Grade 8. Tighten to the manufacturer’s recommended torque in ft·lb where available. When in doubt, consult a repair manual and use the correct thread form and length so bolts don’t bottom out in blind holes or leave too little thread engagement.

How to inspect quality before buying online

Online listings should include material specs (18-8 stainless, 316, Grade 5), dimensions in inches, TPI, and standards like ASME or ASTM. Look for clear photos, and check customer reviews for fit and finish. If listings show “A2” stainless or “18-8” that tells you the alloy; “316” indicates higher corrosion resistance. For critical work, buy from suppliers that provide spec sheets or mill certificates.

Eco-conscious choices: reuse, recycle, and longevity

Stainless steel fasteners last longer and are more recyclable. If a bolt is still structurally sound, cleaning and reusing it can be fine for non-critical applications, but avoid reusing stretch bolts or torque-to-yield fasteners designed for one-time use. When replacing large quantities, consider buying recycled or remanufactured hardware when available and recycle old fasteners at scrap metal facilities.

Final buying checklist before you click “buy”

Quick checklist for safe purchases: confirm diameter and length in inches, verify TPI, confirm material and grade, check quantity and price per piece, and read reviews for fit. If you’re buying in bulk, calculate your per-piece cost and confirm storage for leftover fasteners. The right prep prevents returns and retrofit headaches.

Where to save and when to splurge

Spend on quality where failure is not an option — structural supports, vehicle components, and outdoor exposed hardware. Save on non-critical trim fasteners or where cosmetic finish, not strength, is the priority. Buying a bulk kit for common sizes saves money, but don’t skimp on Grade or material for load-bearing applications. Smart choices balance budget and safety.

With this guide, you should feel confident navigating options from big-box retailers to specialty suppliers. Whether you’re buying a pack of 100 stainless lock nuts or a 2,230-piece Grade 5 assortment, the key is to match the fastener to the job and measure in inches. Happy fastening!