Where can I source most of these materials from in one place?

March 24, 2016 12:03 AM

Hi there, Creating a soft goods prototype (a backpack in case that is useful) and was wondering where I can go to find the following: drings grommets rivets buckles from one place? I have found individually all of these things in specific specs that I want, but they are all over the place and ideally I want to keep them from one vendor. I don't care about location, but ideally I would do this in the U.S. to keep shipping costs low.
posted by pando11 to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (11 answers total)

I would imagine McMaster has everything you need. Shipping is via UPS (you can call to get an estimate before ordering).
posted by btfreek at 12:41 AM on March 24, 2016 [1 favorite]

In case the above (which is cheaper!) doesn't work out, I've ordered things for sewing projects from this vendor and been pretty happy:

http://buckleguy.com/
posted by foxfirefey at 1:45 AM on March 24, 2016

Also try in-store REI for modern plastic buckles, D rings, and other assorted widgets; they sell singleton bits and bobs for repairs and replacements.
posted by sebastienbailard at 2:40 AM on March 24, 2016

I've purchased from strapworks.com and been happy with selection and service.
posted by JMOZ at 3:46 AM on March 24, 2016 [1 favorite]

Their websites are a hot mess, but try calling Seattle Fabrics or Gold Star Tool if you don't see what you need online. Gold Star Tools offers free shipping in the continental US.

You also may be able to find what you need at stores like Beverly's, Joann's Fabrics, or Hobby Lobby, but they usually only carry the cheapie, low quality stuff. Amazon often has at least a few decent brands like these C.S. Osborne grommets, but they're usually overpriced.
posted by LuckySeven~ at 6:47 AM on March 24, 2016

Seconding Buckle Guy and adding Ohio Travel Bag. Although I recommend these two for the quality and selection, any leatherwork supplier (Tandy, Springfield) will have all this stuff, and you will find a smaller selection within each category at big-box craft stores too (Joann, Michaels).
posted by mama casserole at 6:48 AM on March 24, 2016

Brettuns Village Leather Craft Supplies sells most of what you listed, and they seem like charming people to boot. The leather they have on stock changes frequently but the types of hardware they carry seems pretty stable. The only thing is it's like, metal belt buckles, not modern plastic clicky ones.
posted by yeahlikethat at 7:22 AM on March 24, 2016

I'll dump my bookmarks for technical sewing here. They all carry hardware, I believe. Finding one vendor that carries everything might be a tall order though...

Specialty Outdoors
Beacon Fabric
Quest Outfitters
Rocky Woods
Seattle Fabrics
posted by werkzeuger at 10:42 AM on March 24, 2016

Sailrite also has a pretty wide selection of hardware for technical sewing (marine focused, as you might imagine, but not exclusively).
posted by janell at 11:22 AM on March 24, 2016

nthing Seattle Fabrics. I made a bunch of strappy tote bags earlier this year and was well taken care of.
posted by sweltering at 6:29 PM on March 24, 2016

I've had great success buying from The Rainshed.
posted by Marky at 11:40 PM on March 24, 2016