Comment by ck2
4 years ago
That whole catalog is incredible, like a time machine.
I remember looking in awe at the Sears catalog every time one came by mail, then all the smaller specialty ones.
I get similar feelings looking back at heathkit catalogs from 1950s, 1960s, then there are the Radio Shack catalogs when the TRS-80 first came out, the world seemed like it was going to be amazing...
Things that we have lost, part 3: The Small Parts catalog.
https://web.archive.org/web/20160323004150/http://www.smallp...
How about McMaster-Carr? Their catalogue, print and online, seems to have a very similar philosophy. Also: all but the most specialized items get same- or next-day shipping.
https://www.mcmaster.com/
I have to say that I don't really miss the McMaster-Carr catalog. Back when calling them on the phone was the only way to order, getting a catalog out of them was like pulling teeth. Things are far better now with online ordering: they'll sell to anyone.
I may actually still have a Small Parts catalog around here somewhere from before they were swallowed up by Amazon. The last time I ordered from them the box said Amazon Supply and I knew the end was near.