Buying small

[The Buddah]

Hello,

I tried to purchase some steel sections of varying sizes to alter my gates at the side of my house.
ie.

4" x 4" x 10' post
1.5" x 1.5" x 2m flat section
20mm dowel x2m
1.5 x 1.5 x 7' box section
4" x 10mm x 2'
4" x 4" 2mm post capping

I tried two local steel suppliers and they both would not sell anything shorter than a 6m length.
is this normal?

Mike.

 

[GrahamGKD]

I think it is normal for mainstream steel stockholders to the industry - what would they do with all the bits left over? The other thing you will probably find is that you will get a much better price if you buy several lengths or make a bigger order.

I use these people for smaller quantities who just happen to be local to me so I can nip up and collect. Maybe you will find someone like that local to you?

 

[cumbriasteve]

It is usually the normal way or else they will cut it at a charge, anything from 50p to £3 a cut and will also round up to the next metre in length.

 

[knoba]

Did you check out "steel fabricators", for your area, in yellow pages?

Usually quite a few around, and often times, they will sell off-cuts that one can go pick-up.

Last week; a local fabricator charged me £16 (cash) for a hot-rolled m/s 16mm x 300mm x 400mm plate (they also have an off-cut bin).

 

[philsmin]

I found a place in salford (manchester) that supplies anything from full lengths to small quantities off-cuts etc, got some 30mm box and some 3mm and 5mm plate for making my engine frame.

I could even have a look at the off-cuts myself and he didn't mind

I did ask if he did mail order but he won't, can't be arsed with the hassle........

 

[Delgado]

Also worth trying the local scrap yards, they're always up for selling any bits and pieces they've got lying around.

 

[Hitch]

I could even have a look at the off-cuts myself and he didn't mind

I find its easier to let people see it all, then decide what they want.



Have you tried the list we have compiled?
Theres not many on there for Essex im afraid, so if you find one, let us know please.

As mentioned, for small quantities like that try dropping into a fabrication firm and enquiring about some offcuts.

 

[FranV8]

I don't know where in Essex you are, but if in range of Cambridge give Mackays a try, they'll cut any length. Word of warning though, there are cheaper ways to buy steel, and the price per unit of length seems to increase as your lengths are shorter.

 

[pedrobedro]

When I went to a local supplier and asked if he had any bits in his scrap he told me they don't have scrap. I asked what the pile in the corner was and he replied, " Those are usable offcuts " They usually sell them by weight and section there, solid bar is cheaper per kilo than tube or angle.