how are they failing you George? as long as you pick a spec that's fit for purpose they work a treat and are generally good value for money. As Steve (Birdie) said, if you use button type there's always a concern that you could slip with hex driver when you come to undo if stubborn. It's even worth finding an odd sized hex key that fits more tightly than the designated tool just for this occasion.
Used probolt, Middleton stainless and Westfield fasteners. I’ve pretty much stuck with Westfield. For me they offer a great range in A2,A4 and A4-80 which approaches the high tensile 8.8. Some of my bikes are Imperial UNF, UNC available from Middleton and Westfield but for me more importantly I tend to replace most fasteners now with TORX available in many sizes. Much better for button fasteners and available from Westfield.
I've used pro bolt for the smaller stuff on my r1 mate, but all the bigger bolts I got from race fasteners off eBay they were half price of pro bolt and just as good.
Never used these people but book marked the link from an earlier thread on here. https://www.speedyfasteners.com/ Andy
I found these guys by chance and they have been great when needing fasteners : http://www.pughandsanders.co.uk/
This is who I use locally although others are available in (royal) leamington spa too me. https://follymill.co.uk/
If you've had your allen keys for sometime it's always worth sawing a couple of mm off the end so you get back that crisp shape. Dont grind it off as the heat may affect the material structure.
I would always find your local fasteners supplier and give them a go. You will soon get a feel for them - if the they are friendly and helpful and supply a good product at the right price then you are supporting a local business. In a pinch it’s great to have someone nearby who will always have what you need. It’s a great feeling when you can walk into a place with a broken fastener and hand it to a bloke who nods - walks out the back and appears a few moment later with exactly what you need! Use it or lose it!
Never use any stainless or titanium for the following. Brakes, engine mountings, suspension mountings and drive line fastenings. Ask for chemistry and mechanical test certs, can't supply, don't buy. never fix discs with untested, untraceable stainless or so called titanium. Want it shiny?have your old bolts zinc plated. The market is full of A2 stainless fit only for kitchen equipment and grade 5 titanium work horse untested crap. A4 stainless meaningless unless tested. 316 stainless chemistry only, not tested useless. 304 stainless a cat could bite through it. Yes I do know A2/A4 304, 316, production routes, Ingot, billet, rolling,drawing, testing requirments. Titanium grades and applications including relevant medical uses ISO standards, grade 23. Imagine you get on a plane for your hols and the first officer comes over the tannoy to ask if you like the new shiny wheel bolts bought on line? The old fully tested dull ones were so yesterday! Ask your insurance company if your insurance will be valid if you change oem for eBay and a failure leads to an accident or worse and major damage to your vehicle. Sorry my rant, my professional opinion only. grade 5 titanium 6AL 4V is available on line from China direct or UK suppliers in bar lengths. No not a smart arse, just a very highly qualified Engineer and as such I have a duty to express my views.
