ETLB Squawk Forums — Archive

I bet there is a logical reason; so hoping someone can edify me .

Ordering my hardware for emppanage assembly. Plans call for qty 8 of AN525-10R26 (1 5/8" 10-32 cross recessed screws) to attach hinges.  

Aircraft Spruce only lists lengths up to 1 1/2" . Fortunately, Wicks does carry the 1 5/8" variety; however,  while 1 1/2" are only $0.44 each, the 1 5/8" are $2.03 each (almost five times as expensive)!  Ironically, Wicks also has 1 7/8" at $1.26 each (and do not carry 1 3/4" length).

So, just curious. Anyone able to explain the pricing logic to me?

Supply and demand.

Some of these items are no longer in production. You might also try B&B aircraft in Osawatomie Ks. They have a web site:
https://www.bandbaircraftsupplies.com

They all appear to use the AS and Wicks catalogues for pricing guidance. These companies have traditionally acquired inventory by bidding on aircraft manufacturer floor sweepings by the pound and then hand sorted, bagged and priced the products. Why floor sweepings?
The production line people carry the parts in hand held multi compartment cases to the location on the production line. If they drop a small part it is not economically feasible to climb down, retrieve it, and return to the work site. At the end of the day these parts are swept up, put in barrels and periodically auctioned off. Occasionally a manufacturer goes out of business and the stock is auctioned off as well.
Unfortunately modern aircraft are using fewer and fewer of the traditional AN and MS hardware. New manufactured stock is expensive but usually available. The availability of the "floor sweeping stock is going away". Last year I had to pay $350 for a control column "U Joint" that I had purchased for $5.00 ten years before.
We are fortunate in the Kansas City area as there are two sources for these parts locally, B&B and Air Parts.
Joe

If you want a reality check Go to Avial and check their prices.

Quoted from joe.scalet Supply and demand.

Thank you Joe. Although I had no clue of the driving details (e.g. floor sweepings) I did guess it was supply/demand driven to some extent. Just seems weird on something like AN screws/bolts to see such pricing outliers. I will check the sources you suggest. Thanks again!

Quoted from joe.scalet If you want a reality check Go to Avial and check their prices.

well. I tried; Avial shows AN525-10R26 in stock, but prices only provided for those with accounts, and they would not accept my new account request unless I am a registered business...

Sometimes it is supply and demand, some times it probably may not be. In attached listing from a vendor for fuel hose clamps, one size of clamp is priced very high. Turns out that is possibly the most widely used clamp because it fits the standard fuel hose used in most home-builts. Call that smart pricing or stealth pricing?

Quoted from Keith103 Sometimes it is supply and demand, some times it probably may not be. In attached listing from a vendor for fuel hose clamps, one size of clamp is priced very high. Turns out that is possibly the most widely used clamp because it fits the standard fuel hose used in most home-builts. Call that smart pricing or stealth pricing?

another good example, very analogous to my search for AN525-10R26 screws

Wicks is having a 30% off sale on hardware through 9/28.

Quoted from Dick Rake Wicks is having a 30% off sale on hardware through 9/28.

Thanks!! Was on Wicks site today, but did not even notice.

Quoted from RedBird

Thanks!! Was on Wicks site today, but did not even notice.

This was the email I received a few days ago. (see Attachment)