On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:44:51 GMT, John Doe
wrote:


Hey JD,

Don't buy ANYTHING that has a "slot-head".

Put a decent chamfer on the clearance bolt-holes. Some screws, in
fact most screws, have a root radius, which is why you place a washer
under the head.

Try a proper supplier, like Fastenal or somebody's "Nut & Bolt"
Company locally, or any mill supply house. Ask for "Grade 8" in
whatever style you need. Be prepared to spend more money than at
Lowes, but depending on what and where and how many you buy, the best
Holo-chrome's might not be a lot more bucks. Personally, I find that
Allen-head bolts are less likely to break than cap screws. Not sure
you can buy "machine screws" in Grade 8, but purchased from a good
supplier they will be at least Grade 5.

Twice (at least) in previous replies you mentioned using stainless
bolts rather than the zinc-plated machine screws used at present. You
should note they S/S are NOT stronger that good steel bolts. In
fact, may be quite a bit softer if they are not also Grade 8 or
better. "Stainless" is a quality of the material, and not directly
related to strength or holding/breaking capacity.

Take care. Good luck.

Brian Lawson,
Bothwell, Ontario.