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Ever tried to fasten something only to have the bolt strip, rust or fail under load? Choosing the right nut and bolt is like picking the right pair of shoes for a hike — get it wrong and you pay for it later. From light fittings to structural joins, the right fastener keeps things safe, neat and long-lasting. In this guide I’ll walk you through the stores and brands to watch, how to choose fasteners, handy size conversions into imperial units, and tips to save time and money when you shop in the UK.
Expert Electrical is a specialist retailer that tends to focus on electrical fixings, glands, and related fasteners — ideal if you’re fitting Downlights, wiring trunking or doing domestic electrical work. They list items such as brass bushes, setscrews, lock nuts and trunking clips that electricians and savvy DIYers often need. If your job involves cables, conduit, or light fittings, a specialist like this can save you time by stocking the right grades and dimensions.
Specialist stores like Expert Electrical will usually offer professional-grade items such as brass bushes and lock nuts with guaranteed fit for cable glands and lighting fittings. That means fewer returns, accurate sizing and the kind of technical detail that a general store may not provide. Think of it as buying a chef’s knife from a cutlery specialist — more precise options and better guidance.
Screwfix is often the first port of call for many people in the UK when they need nuts, bolts, screws, anchors and tools. They stock a vast range from single units to bulk packs, and you can pick up everything from 1/4" hex bolts to heavy-duty coach screws. If you need quick collection or a wide choice, Screwfix is hard to beat.
Toolstation competes closely with Screwfix on price and convenience. They’re strong on fasteners and consumables, and often have the bulk pack bargains that small contractors love. Their stores are easy to navigate and their online stock availability is transparent, so you’ll know if that pack of 2" bolts is in your nearest branch.
If you’re a DIY fan working on furniture, decking or garden structures, B&Q and Wickes provide an accessible range in-store and online. They stock common sizes in stainless and coated finishes, perfect for outdoor builds where corrosion resistance is important. These chains are ideal for one-off buys and home-improvement projects.
For speciality fasteners, high-precision thread types or electrical-grade lock nuts, RS Components and Farnell are excellent choices. They cater to engineers and commercial buyers, offering quality brands and datasheets that list mechanical properties, torque specs and chemical resistance. If you need technical certainty, check these suppliers first.
Amazon remains a convenient option for mixed purchases where you might want cable ties, glands, and a pack of 6" trunking clips all in one order. Brands and sellers vary, so read reviews and check seller ratings before you buy. For quick household fixes or odd sizes, Amazon offers fast delivery and a huge selection.
Unicrimp is a brand commonly used in electrical and mechanical fixings. Examples include brass female bushes and setscrews. Brass parts are great where conductivity or corrosion resistance in damp conditions is needed — think light fittings and cable terminations. A pack of 50 brass bushes or 100 setscrews can keep a pro’s kit box well stocked.
Lapp Cable is trusted for cable gland accessories and lock nuts. They supply lock nuts in various colours and sizes to match gland threads — useful when you’re running conduit or sealing junction boxes. If you’re fitting a downlight or through-panel gland, compatible lock nuts from brands like Lapp reduce the guessing and the risk of leaks.
When it comes to cable ties, Hellermann (often listed as HellermannTyton) is the industry standard. Cable ties around 6" long and a fraction of an inch wide are great for neat cable runs, while heavy-duty variants handle larger bundles. They offer UV-stable types for outdoor use and flame-retardant options for safety-critical installations.
For tidy runs and mechanical protection, trunking and saddle clips from Falcon and conduit items from PMA are popular. For example, a trunking saddle clip for a 1" trunking channel and a 3/4" conduit piece are typical components when installing commercial or domestic lighting circuits. These items keep cables organised and protected from abrasion.
Material choice depends on environment and load. Use stainless steel when you need corrosion resistance outside or near salt air. Brass is excellent where conductivity matters or for decorative finishes. Zinc-plated or hot-dip galvanised steel is budget-friendly for sheltered outdoor use. Think of it as picking clothing for the weather — match the fastener to the conditions.
Coatings such as zinc plating, black oxide or hot-dip galvanising add corrosion resistance. Zinc plating is a light protective layer for indoor use, while galvanising gives heavy-duty protection for outdoor projects. Black oxide is mainly cosmetic but can provide slight rust resistance for interior uses. Choose plating based on expected exposure to moisture and chemicals.
Manufacturers and suppliers often list sizes in metric, so here are practical imperial equivalents to keep in your head. A 20mm item is roughly 13/16" (a bit under 7/8"). A 25mm trunking size is about 1". A 150mm cable tie is about 6" long, and 3.6mm wide is roughly 1/7" (around 9/64"). An M6 machine screw is approximately 15/64" in diameter and a 50mm length is just under 2". An M4 is close to 5/32" diameter. These rounded fractions help when you’re shopping in imperial listings or checking drill bit sizes.
Thread pitch and type matter. Coarse threads are common for general woodworking and quick assembly; fine threads are stronger in metal joints. When replacing bolts, measure the diameter across the threads and the length of the shank in inches. If you’re unsure, take the old bolt to a store counter or order a matching length and diameter online with the datasheet handy.
If you do multiple projects or trade professionally, bulk packs save a lot. Packs of 50 or 100 for small parts like brass bushes, setscrews or fullnuts reduce cost per unit and keep spares on hand. For occasional DIYers, small packs or mixed assortments prevent waste and clutter. Think about storage, too — small tubs or labelled boxes keep your inventory usable.
Compare unit price rather than pack price to spot true savings. Specialist stores may offer branded, tested items at a premium, while general merchants will have cheaper alternatives. Use online comparison tools to check unit costs across retailers before you commit to a big purchase. Also check for trade or pro accounts which give repeat buyers better prices.
Store fasteners by diameter and type in clear, labelled boxes or compartment drawers. Magnetic trays are handy on site for screws and washers. Keep stainless and plain steel items separate to avoid galvanic reactions, and store boxes off damp floors — moisture ruins fasteners faster than you think. A little initial organisation saves hours looking for the right bolt later.
A digital caliper for measuring diameters, a thread gauge for identifying pitches, and a torque wrench for correct tightening are worth the investment. Even a simple set of labelled jars can transform your workflow. The right tool prevents over-tightening, stripped threads and that frustrating moment when a part won’t fit because you grabbed the wrong size.
Lock nuts for gland fittings, brass bushes, and trunking clips are typically stocked by specialist electrical retailers and technical distributors. These stores often carry brand-specific items like Lapp Cable lock nuts and Unicrimp bushes that match cable gland threads and lighting fittings perfectly. When accuracy and compatibility matter, head to a specialist rather than relying on generic parts.
If you’re chasing a specific part number or a discontinued item, online marketplaces and industrial auction sites can be surprisingly useful. Sellers often have odd stock from previous projects, and you can sometimes pick up bulk clearances at a fraction of new prices. Just check measurements carefully — that’s where the common caliper comes in handy.
For structural or safety-critical applications, use fasteners with specified load ratings and follow manufacturer torque guides. Technical distributors and datasheets will list tensile strength, proof load and recommended tightening torque. If a join supports weight or affects safety, don’t guess — get the rated fastener and the correct installation method.
When working on electrical systems, use components conforming to relevant regulations and standards. Approved cable glands, lock nuts and trunking components reduce the risk of electrical faults or water ingress. If you’re not sure, consult a qualified electrician or the full product datasheets from the supplier.
Buying the right nuts and bolts in the UK is about matching the right store, brand and material to your job. Specialist retailers such as Expert Electrical are excellent for electrical fittings like brass bushes and lock nuts, while high-street merchants and online giants cover general fasteners and bulk needs. Learn a few imperial conversions, keep your fasteners organised, and compare unit prices to save money. With the right approach, you’ll finish projects faster and avoid the fiddly rework that comes from using the wrong parts.
