Replies

1. 
   4DThinker | May 28, 2003 07:13am | #1

   Yep. More and more hardware is being made from lesser metals these days. 

   But you CAN re-engineer if needed.  You might see if a local hardware store carries T-nuts of the same size.  If so, test one for quality, and if they are better simply replace the ones in your kit with the better ones from the store.  If it isn't possible to find a better T-nut, then you might be able to use a longer bolt with a nut and washer instead.

   Lastly, if the kit has crappy components you can always complain to the maker. I've succeeded in the past at getting "better" hardware for projects that came with crappy versions when I complained with the words "money back", Better business bureau", and "sue" somewhere in the complaint.

   Or maybe it just helped to vent.  If so, I listened.

   4DThinker

1. 
   Steinmetz | May 28, 2003 08:32am | #2

   High quality 'T'Bolts may be purchesed at any machine tool parts supliers  or ordered from Grizzly (imports)     

2. 
   forestgirl | May 28, 2003 09:54am | #3

   Frank, though I can't give you details, I've learned from a couple of discussions on mobile bases that bolts and nuts and such come in various grades. Sounds like you need to find a supplier who knows the grades and carries some choices.  We have an outfit south of here called Tacoma Screw that carries just about everything in fasteners.  Reid Tool is a catalog outfit that probably has what you need if you can't find it locally.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   MarkRoderick | May 28, 2003 07:39pm | #4

   Without offering anything helpful, I will join in the general complaint. The hardware shipped with every kind of product is absolutely horrible. Whenever possible I throw the enclosed hardware in the trash and use my own. Like the big-box stores where we buy this junk, it's just another result of our endless question for lower cost, lower cost, lower cost, at the expense of anything else.

3. 
   billyg83440 | May 28, 2003 07:53pm | #5

   I'd absolutely call the manufacturer and complain about the lousy, cheap, garbage connectors that came with this. I've looked at these fort kits. Have yet to find an inexpensive one. No excuse for providing you cheap quality fasteners. If they're reticent, make sure you mention how you'd think they'd have more concern for your children's safety, and if this thing falls apart because of fastener failure you'll pull their name out of the file, along with a transcript of this call, I am recording it by the way (doesn't matter if you are), and give it to my lawyer.

   If the holes don't line up, make sure you complain about their poor manufacturing tolerances too. If they're really no help, return it (I know, you've probably already got lots of work into it, may not be an option).

   If you just want better fasteners, find the local industrial supply house, they probably have them, or something that'll work in stock. If that fails http://www.mcmaster.com has a big selection.

1. 
   Biscardi | May 28, 2003 11:56pm | #6

   I finally gave up and substitued big hex bolts with washers. I cut the excess bolt off and filed everything smooth. Now that isn't going anywhere!

1. 
   billyg83440 | May 29, 2003 02:36am | #7

   I was afraid you'd end up having to fix it yourself.

   Did you call the company? Were they any help? Or did you just decide it was easier to fix it?

   If you haven't, and it's a toll-free number, I'd still call and complain. Maybe if they get enough complaints they'll spend a dollar or two more and include decent hardware.

   Anyway, glad you got it fixed.

1. 
   RoyinMD | May 29, 2003 06:47am | #8

   I agree with the kit hardware comments so far and all the rest of the comment that will come in, stock is crap. When I assembled my table saw years ago I scraped the external lock washers provided and used my stock of flat washers and split lock washers.

   My daughter is almost 11, and I look forward in about 2 years, to sawsalling that monster play thing my old dog and I built in the back yard, and trashing it. It served its time and is approaching retirement.

   Enjoy, Roy

4. 
   terryb | May 29, 2003 08:46pm | #9

   I believe McFeely's sells stainless t-nuts. They don't sell any junk and their service is very good.

1. 
   Biscardi | Jun 03, 2003 02:18am | #10

   No kidding!

   Some of the fastners are not even galvanized. This is for an outside playground. When I was done there were dozen's of fastnes of all different sorts- including stuff that clearly wasn't called for. I am more puzzled than chagrined. I'd rather they gave me better stuff without all the leftovers.

   I got the playground finished in about 30 hours. I could have done a couple of ball and claw feet carved in that time. The kids, however love it and it was well worth the time.

   Frank