Herald

I'm looking for a screw and I suspect the local auto parts stores aren't going to have this particular screw. I also suspect the dealership is going to be crazy expensive, but I'll go there if I must. I've checked a site for Nissan parts but it wants to sell me a minimum of 10 of these screws for ~$18 when all I need is one! Where do y'all think is the best place to buy screws?

By the way, the screw I'm seeking is one of the six screws for the fuel tank cover. It helps secure the plate that goes over the O-ring.

Thanks for you help!

Nopike

iTrader: (2)

Home depot or ace hardware usually has a good selection of metric screws I would try them.

bewrong

Try Fastenal or Grainger.

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Ace hardware.....can't be beat!

schmellyfart

iTrader: (46)

Or pull em off another Maxima at the junkyard.

ABIGBRAIN

iTrader: (1)

^^^ works every time.

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Those screws are PN 01436-01821, $2.59/ea @ Courtesy. Any Nissan dealer will sell you those individually, and they should even be in stock (they're used in quite a few different vehicles, including some current ones).

As said, a junkyard run would be the cheapest way (i.e. free, as I've never seen a junkyard charge for small misc bolts). A dealer would likely be quicker.

tosheto

iTrader: (5)

Lowe's, junk yard, Nissan dealership.

The Wizard

iTrader: (43)

You assumed the dealer would be expensive w/o checking.

Either go the junkyard route or go to the dealer. $2.59 for a bolt isn't going to break your piggy bank.

As mentioned, you can always go to courtesyparts.com to look up parts/prices. If you see the price is reasonable, just go to your local dealer and order it.

Herald

Turns out the local dealership doesn't have it in stock but they may have it tomorrow, depending on the weather. $2.30.

mightyMax95

iTrader: (5)

dude, ace hardware. i work at one and those will be so cheap.

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Does Ace carry M4x0.7 screws, much less of the proper length? Too long on those and you'll puncture the tank...

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

Sears hardware has stuff like that too.

mightyMax95

iTrader: (5)

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Looks like a pretty decent selection, though it appears they're all flat head screws. Be good for a replacement in a pinch, but I would hate to have to switch tools in the middle of a job (since almost nothing else in the vehicle uses a flat head screw) just for those.

By the way, you're out of stock on 43145-M

98maxaholic

I find the small mom and pop hardware stores are the best for stuff like that, if your lucky enough to have an old hardware store left where u live!

mightyMax95

iTrader: (5)

My boss laughed so hard at this!

Herald

$2.30 for a screw is ridiculous. I don't know how Nissan justifies the price. I suppose as long as people keep buying parts at outrageous prices they can get away with it (and today I'll be continuing the maddening cycle)...

mightyMax95

iTrader: (5)

I thought this discussion was over?

Herald

Not until everyone else visiting Maxima.org has had a chance to chime in.

I've been getting some good ideas from this thread, but I'm not entirely sold on sticking with the dealership (too expensive), traveling to a junkyard (none local enough to visit simply for a screw), or buying from a hardware store (screw may cause more damage than going without). Someone also mentioned Grainger and another business I'm unfamiliar with; I'd also like to know more about these businesses...

Herald

Thanks, I'm not familiar with these. By its name alone Fastenal sounds like a place that provides solutions for all kinds of, well, fastening jobs. I've checked out both its website and Grainger's and I'm trying to figure them out...

Herald

Y'all are hilarious!

Herald

Yeah, I was going just head to Lowe's with one of the screws in hand but I don't know much about what to look for and it'd be just like me to pick one up that drills a hole right in the tank. I read about someone else's misfortune doing just that.

So how did you find out the exact model # or whatever (M4x0.7) of the screw? That type of information would be seriously helpful for the next time I'm looking for particular bolts or screws or whatnot. I often find myself digging through my Chilton guide for information like that.

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Experience, really. Generally speaking (for the most common sizes used in the car), the bolt thread sizes go up in steps of 2mm, and are 4mm less than the head size. Now as far as pitch, they're all over the place.

10mm head is M6x1.0, 12mm is M8x1.25, 14mm is M10x1.5, etc. 8mm head is M4x0.7.

I also may or may not have considerable experience in repairing threads I've ****ed up, so that helps the memory too.

Herald

Well, thanks for your help. I feel perplexed whenever I find a missing fastener on my car. Every bit of new information helps.

Herald

I'm still interested in learning how others obtain missing fasteners, but I did at least get my screw at the dealership without getting screwed financially.

I stopped by the dealership to see if the screw I'd ordered yesterday had arrived. The parts dept. was closed for the day but one of the employees procured one for me. He said the parts dept. had failed to inform me that they only came in bags of 10, which would mean I'd have to pay ~20.

He gave me the part for free.

Score 1 for the dealership!

bewrong

Fastenal, Grainger, and McMaster-Carr stock all sorts of hard-to-find, oddball stuff. They've got fasteners, o-rings, adhesives, and a bunch of other stuff you don't care about.

Herald

My girlfriend just told me she purchases from Grainger. I'll look into it more; thanks.

asand1

iTrader: (1)

Replace them all and then no need to switch tools. Use neversieze or just get stainless screws.