Where to buy QUALITY screws (mainly neckplate and bolts)

[Basstovsky]

So after working on tons of basses (well somewhat more than 10 at least), I've noticed a startling number of them have very 'soft' metal screws. Soft in that when I go to remove or install them, the phillips head starts to deform and they eventually strip out completely and I have to manhandle them out of the bass. Or the head snaps right off leaving the shaft permanently embedded in the wood.

Does anyone know where can I buy SOLID screws for various purposes, like pickguard and truss cover screws, the ones that affix tuners to the headstock, strap mount screws, and neck bolt screws? I'm sick of replacing them every time I swap something out, because the process of installation and removal destroy them. Tried getting brass stuff from Home Depot and Lowes but they seldom have appropriate sized hardware.

Right now primarily I need a neckplate and screws to mount a new neck and I don't want to just get cheap ebay junk.

Thanks!

[Slowgypsy]

This is the source for all my hardware needs. They only sell quality items....
http://www.mcmaster.com/

[gjbassist]

I buy most of my parts from Bass Parts Resource. Everything Iv'e gotten from them has been high quality and they ship quickly. They have a whole section of screws.

http://www.basspartsresource.com/middle_bass.htm

[testing1two]

Check out Callaham Guitars. He offers top notch stuff that's cryogenically treated. He also has neck plates that are slightly thicker than standard so they won't bend if you "gorilla-tighten" the neck screws.

http://www.callahamguitars.com/partsstr.htm

[Beauchene Implements]

Stainless oval head from Lowes work brilliantly for neck bolts and covers. They have a tiny cheese head screw that works for Fender pickups, too. Only a problem if you want something colored.

[phmike]

Look locally (med or larger town) for a business that specializes in bolts/screws/etc. Purchasing online is OK but taking a sample screw to a local biz to get the exact part is even nicer. In Nashville I buy from Capitol City Bolt And Screw Co. I can get packs of 25-50 high quality stainless screws for what you pay for 5-10 screws online. Example - I just got a bag of 100 stainless pickguard screws for less than $5.

[Basstovsky]

Thanks for the quick responses, I went with stainless steel parts from basspartsresource for stuff I need right now, will check out these others later.
callahamguitars is very impressive but a bit out of the price range of what i feel is practical, though good to know of if in the future i need something that rugged.

[tito0515]

I love basspartsresource, but I have encountered the same problems with their screws as well. Strip easily and a couple of broken heads when screwing them into a properly sized, drilled hole, by hand, with a screwdriver. I will continue to buy things from there, but I may try out some of the other places mentioned too.