Sourcing some hex bar

threeReefs · 20 Jul 2021

Where would people look to source relatively unusual hex steel bar ? I'm trying to help a friend locate some 7/32", so imperial, EN1A or similar, free-cutting. MetalSupermarkets only do 1/4" (and even then not as a stock item). I'm thinking as it's imperial then people supplying stuff for old engines, steam restorations etc might do something - any pointers much appreciated !
Richard

hawkeyefxr · 20 Jul 2021

Ebay would be my first stop. Metal supermarkets i found to be quite dear.
Depending on the length you want you can get long allen keys, maybe not long enough for you though.
Also look for a sreel supplier near you, they have quit a few sources.
Maybe contact a steam engine group on FB, those guy are into all things metal.

marcros · 20 Jul 2021

metals4u would be my first choice but they only do 6mm. I dont know how much you need, and how much work would be involved in reducing this down.

ebay would be my second choice if metals4u didn't have any, or for small quantities that dont justify the postage cost from them.

Gordon Tarling · 20 Jul 2021

7/32" is a size commonly used by model engineers - I can find it in stainless steel, but unable to find it in mild steel yet. Suggest you search model engineers suppliers and see what you can come up with.

G.

AES · 20 Jul 2021

Have a look under the "One Stop Reference Links" sticky at the top of this page: IIWY I'd look particularly for model engineers & materials suppliers. I haven't checked for what you want, but I'd look at:

Blackgates;
Chronos (maybe);
GLR Kennions;
IS & G Steels;
Noggin End Metals;

are examples listed above. Being "hobby oriented" if they can't supply themselves they may well point you in a suitable direction. NB: As I haven't been in UK for buying for some years now I can't speak from RECENT personal experience for any above, but HTH anyway.