In almost every workshop, factory, or maintenance department, there’s a core group of products that get reordered again and again.

Not because they’re exciting — but because when they’re missing, work stops.

Below are five of the most frequently requested items we supply, and why they’re more critical than many businesses realise.

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1. Cutting Discs & Abrasives

Angle grinder discs are one of the fastest-moving consumables in any engineering environment.

They’re used for:

• Cutting steel

• Cleaning welds

• Removing corrosion

• Fabrication work

• Maintenance repairs

The problem isn’t just running out — it’s using the wrong quality. Poor discs wear faster, shatter more easily, and cost more in downtime than they ever save in price.

A reliable abrasive reduces labour time, improves finish quality, and most importantly, improves operator safety.

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2. Fasteners (Bolts, Nuts & Washers)

Fasteners are the backbone of maintenance work — yet they’re usually only noticed when the correct size isn’t available.

Typical issues we see:

• Machines left incomplete overnight

• Engineers making temporary fixes

• Incorrect substitutions damaging equipment

Keeping commonly used metric and imperial sizes in stock prevents unnecessary stoppages and repeat call-outs.

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3. PPE – Gloves & Eye Protection

Personal protective equipment is consumed daily but rarely managed daily.

Gloves and safety glasses are often borrowed, misplaced, or stretched beyond their safe lifespan. The result is either:

• Unsafe working conditions

• Or engineers refusing tasks until replacements arrive

Having dependable stock on hand removes that hesitation and keeps work flowing safely.

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4. Lubricants & Sprays

Penetrating oils, greases and maintenance sprays are small items with huge impact.

They prevent:

• Seized components

• Broken fixings

• Stripped threads

• Extended repair times

A five-minute application can prevent a two-hour repair — which is why these products quietly save more labour than almost any other consumable.

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5. Drill Bits

Drill bits fail gradually, so they’re often replaced too late.

Blunt tooling:

• Overheats materials

• Damages machines

• Produces inaccurate holes

• Wastes operator time

Keeping sharp, correct-grade drill bits available improves both finish quality and productivity instantly.

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Why These Small Items Matter

Large equipment failures get attention — but most downtime actually comes from missing small consumables.

When the right everyday supplies are available:

• Repairs happen immediately

• Engineers work efficiently

• Safety improves

• Jobs are completed first time

Good stock control isn’t just organisation — it’s productivity.

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Need help keeping essential items available without over-ordering?
We can help you identify the products your team uses most and ensure they’re always ready when needed.