Get the right fastener first time - local availability and speed
Finding the correct fastener for a project should be fast and reliable. At Communica we focus on keeping commonly used screws, bolts, washers, rivets and enclosure fixings in stock so South African makers, students and technicians can finish projects without long lead times. Order online and choose branch collection at Samrand, Pretoria CBD or Cape Town for same-day pickup on stocked items.
Why order fasteners from local stock
Local stock reduces downtime, helps meet student lab deadlines and keeps procurement predictable. We publish real-time stock for thousands of lines across our catalogue so you can plan assemblies, request VAT invoices for quotes, and avoid import delays. See current ranges on our Shop by Category page.
Practical selection - match fastener to application
Selecting a fastener is about size, thread form, material and finish. For electrical enclosures choose stainless or zinc-plated screws to resist corrosion; for PCB mounts use nylon or brass hardware to avoid shorts. We stock metric and imperial sizes, coarse and fine threads, and specialist hardware for plastics and sheet metal.
- Metric selection: M2-M12 for electronics and small mechanicals.
- Materials: steel, stainless steel, brass, nylon.
- Head types: pan, countersunk, hex, button, torx for tamper resistance.
Specification callouts you should check
When ordering, verify thread size, length (excluding head for countersunk), tensile or proof rating if structural, and coating. For assemblies that must pass through a painted surface, consider stainless or zinc with passivation. If you need help mapping fastener specs to product pages, our branch teams and online product descriptions include detailed measurements - find branch details on our Branches & Trading Hours page.
Quick spec comparison
| Type | Common use | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pan head screw | PCB standoffs, small panels | Steel, brass, nylon | Easy clearance under head |
| Countersunk screw | Enclosures, flush finishes | Stainless, zinc | Head sits flush |
| Hex bolt | Structural joins | Grade 8.8 steel, stainless | Use washers and correct torque |
| Self-tapping screw | Plastics, sheet metal | Steel, stainless | Choose correct thread pitch |
If you want a filtered view of specific brands and maker supplies that pair well with fasteners-Adafruit accessories, enclosure fixings and tool kits-browse our fasteners-hardware-in-stock section for compatible items and bundles.
