You’re halfway through a repair, reach for the right bolt, and realize you’re out. What should have been a quick fix suddenly turns into a project-stopper. It’s the kind of moment every farmer, homeowner, and DIYer has experienced, especially when the days get shorter and the weather turns cold. Missing small parts can lead to big delays, and during the fall and winter months, being prepared makes all the difference.
That’s why we sat down with the team at Farm City Supply to talk about the top hardware essentials they recommend keeping on hand year-round. From fasteners and gloves to spare snowblower parts, their advice can help you stay one step ahead before problems turn into headaches.
Why Planning Ahead Saves Time (and Money)
When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, even simple repairs can turn complicated. A broken part on a snowblower, a frozen pipe, or a missing bolt might not seem like much until you’re standing in the cold wishing you’d grabbed that spare last week.
The weather in northern climates can change fast. Once the ground freezes or snow piles up, even quick jobs take longer and cost more.
That’s why a little preparation goes a long way. Keeping an assortment of commonly used hardware on hand can save you from:
- Multiple trips to town
- Waiting days for parts to ship
- Projects that stall halfway through
Farm City Supply’s team sees it every season. A single missing part can turn a one-hour fix into a full-day project. Having the right supplies ready means less downtime, fewer headaches, and more time to focus on what matters most.
Hardware Essentials You Should Always Have on Hand
When it comes to staying ready for anything around the farm, workshop, or home, a well-stocked hardware stash can make all the difference. The team at Farm City Supply shared their top recommendations for what every DIYer and farmer should keep within reach, especially before winter hits.
1. Fasteners: The Little Parts That Save the Day
You don’t realize how valuable a simple screw or bolt is until you’re missing one. Keeping a variety of fasteners on hand helps you tackle last-minute projects or quick repairs without delay.
“I always like to have a variety of screws, nuts, and bolts on hand,” the team shared. “Number 8 and 10 machine screws, sheet metal and wood screws, plus 1/4 and 5/16 bolts, washers, and nuts in a few lengths is a good selection to start with.”
Whether you’re fixing machinery, building shelves, or tightening a gate hinge, a well-organized fastener bin can save hours of frustration.
2. Bearings, Belts & Chains: Stay Ahead of Mid-Season Breakdowns
As the snow season approaches, worn parts are one of the biggest culprits of downtime. Bearings, belts, and chains can fail without much warning, especially when temperatures drop.
Farm City Supply recommends stocking shear bolts, roller chain, and connector links ahead of time.
“We see it every year – the first snowstorm hits, and someone realizes they’re out of shear bolts,” they said. “Stock up now so you’re not caught waiting in ten-degree weather.”
A quick inspection before winter can prevent breakdowns. Look for loose tension, visible wear, or cracking on belts and chains, and replace them early when possible.
3. Tools & Accessories: The Everyday Problem-Solvers
Sometimes, it’s the simple tools that keep everything running smoothly. WD-40 and duct tape might not fix every problem, but they come close.
“If it’s stuck and shouldn’t be, use WD-40. If it’s not stuck and should be, use duct tape,” the team joked.
Alongside those classics, keep a good cleaner/degreaser and a box of nitrile gloves on hand. They’re useful for everything from cleaning up oil spills to keeping your hands protected during greasy repairs.
4. Plumbing Supplies: Be Ready for Leaks and Freezes
Frozen pipes and leaky joints tend to happen when you least expect them. Keeping a few spare plumbing fittings can help you patch issues fast and avoid costly water damage.
“The type of plumbing in your home will dictate what you need – copper, CPVC, or PEX – but a few couplings and caps can really help you out in an emergency,” the team explained. “An extra slip joint washer and nut for under-sink leaks is always a good idea, too.”
Pro tip: kitchen sink fittings are usually 1½ inches, while bathroom fittings are 1¼ inches – keep one of each on hand.
5. Winter Prep Supplies: Stock Up Before the Storm
As temperatures fall, preparation shifts from convenience to necessity. Before the first snowfall, check your snowblower, tractor attachments, and cold-weather tools.
Farm City Supply carries Cub Cadet and Troy-Bilt gas-powered snowblowers, plus EGO battery-powered models, along with the parts that keep them running strong, from shear bolts and belts to carburetor kits and spark plugs.
“It’s much easier to grease and inspect your machine now than when it’s ten degrees outside,” they advised. “Add a fuel stabilizer like Seafoam to every tankful to help your small engines start reliably all winter long.”
4 Smart Restocking Tips from Farm City Supply
Even the most organized workshop can run low on essentials if you’re not keeping tabs on what you use. Staying stocked doesn’t have to be complicated; a few simple habits can save time, money, and frustration down the road.
1. Keep a running list.
Start by noting the parts and supplies you reach for most often. Screws, washers, gloves, and lubricants tend to disappear faster than you think. Keeping a short list on a clipboard or in your phone makes it easy to spot what’s running low before you need it again.
2. Label shelves and bins.
A well-labeled shelf or bin system saves you from digging through boxes during a repair. Use clear containers or small drawer organizers for fasteners, fittings, and small parts. It’s a small step that makes a big difference when you’re in a hurry.
3. Restock as you go.
The best time to restock is right after a project, not when you’re halfway through the next one. Replace what you used while it’s still fresh in your mind so your hardware corner stays reliable and ready.
4. Buy in bulk when it makes sense.
If you go through the same screws, bolts, or fittings regularly, buying in bulk can save both time and money. Farm City Supply offers common hardware and replacement parts in larger quantities, along with local expertise to help you plan ahead for seasonal projects.
Local Expertise You Can Count On
At Farm City Supply, being ready for the unexpected isn’t just about having parts on a shelf; it’s about having a team that knows what you need before you do. The staff aren’t just employees; they’re neighbors, farmers, and tinkerers themselves. They understand what it’s like to lose a day of work over a missing bolt or a worn belt.
That same principle applies to every farm, workshop, and home project. Being prepared keeps you moving forward. To make it even easier, Farm City Supply has created a free downloadable Hardware Inventory Checklist and Tracker you can print and keep in your garage or shop. Use it to log your most-used parts, track what’s running low, and restock before the busy season begins.
Stop by Farm City Supply today! Our team can help you stock up on the essentials that keep your operation running strong through every season, and don’t forget to download your free Hardware Inventory Checklist to stay organized year-round.
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