Places like this are often overlooked:
http://www.google.com/search?&q=calaerosupply+90723

I've been there.
Rich Grise

Yeah. I figured that would strike a chord.


In fact, I got an 8" dial caliper there for about thirty bucks.

I remember the days before Harbor Freight and the Chinese onslaught
when $30 was a good price for a dial caliper.
Now HF puts 6" digital units on sale 3 times a year for $19.
Can't say I recall seeing an 8" one there tho.


It's a pretty awesome surplus store,
if you like big piles of stuff. ;-)

Yes it is and yes I do.
This was even better when I lived in L.A. County.


They have a whole room dedicated to spools of wire.

Ah. We come back to the OP's point.
Yup. Like I said, these joints are often overlooked.