Anyone know where to get a 9/32 x 2" threaded bolt?

[metawidget]

Just got back from a meeting with a tutee, which went well, and then a tutors’ meeting which I couldn’t find...

I managed to shear off a bolt in my bike seat while getting there. I must’ve been leaning hard on the seat. Hardware went flying, seat wound up on my carrier rack, helpful Hydro-Quebec woman handed me my bolt and seat-shoes. Strangely, I did not hurt myself.

Canadian Tire does not have my bolt in stock. It was 2” long and is between 1/4 and 5/16” thick, threaded along its length, with a 1/2” round head. Anyone have any ideas?

Comments

[swestrup]

I vaguely recall that bikes often have metric bolts. Maybe thats why you're having trouble finding that size?

[metawidget]

I think you're right: CT's metric section is pretty sad, they didn't have bolts big enough to seriously try out there. Aware of any good metric hardware sources? I'd rather not pay bike shop premium.

[swestrup]

Out here in the west island I'd go to Reno Depot, since they have a huge bolt selection. Other places worth trying would be a Rona, Home Hardware or maybe the Hoggs in Westmount.

There is a place

[luscus-viator.livejournal.com]

On Notre-Dame Street, west of Atwater (possibly well past the Dome), there is/was a place that specializes taps, dies, and custom machine bits. If they don't have it, they will make it. It's a hardware store with a wide assortment of bits, and a kindly old machinist running the place.

The problem, is I don't remember the exact location, and don't know if the store is still open (or if the old man is still alive).. my father used to go there for custom parts back when he worked as an engineer, MANY years ago. Failing that, there are probably a few machinists/machine shops in town who would turn out such a bolt for you (hopefully for less than 5 bucks)

[caspianxi.livejournal.com]

Was it the clamp bolt, or something else?

[metawidget]

I'm not up on bike parts terminology, but it sounds like it: the seat has two rails, which are clamped between two pieces of metal. The bolt which broke was holding those two pieces of metal together around the seat's rails.

If it was the clamp bolt, should I just give in and go to a bike shop?

[metawidget]

Broke down, went to the bike shop and got a bolt... couldn't find a machinist down in St. Henri, but thanks for the suggestions!