On Sat, 29 May 2010 23:01:17 +0100, you wrote:

>Try these
>http://www.machinemart.co.uk/pages/stores
>
>they have stores all over the UK and will do weird tools
>
>or www.screwfix.com
>
>they do all sorts mail order or trade counter
>

For more specialist stuff also check out RS: rswww.com - they have many trade counters but often
don't stock much stuff at the counters, although it can usually be ordered in for the next day 

screwfix or toolstation for decent tools - Wickes mostly sell consumer crap, ditto B&Q and Homebase
- all are similar to Home Depot in US.  

In that part of the country there are also probably some more specialaist industrial tool suppliers
as there is still some residual metal-bashing industry up there. 

>Can anyone
>suggest some shops in or near Stafford which would sell this type of
>equipment? Some people who work for our customer have told us that it
>is difficult to get this equipment locally without a "contract" with a
>vendor. I find that hard to believe, especially since I was able to
>just go online and find drills at Wickes.

This sort of attitude is pretty rare nowadays - The only problem I'd expect  would be maybe having
to get stuff ordered for next-day delivery if not on the shelf, e.g. odd sized rivets, so allow time
for this.



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