Knowledge Base

September Prices Broke Out While Demand Held: What the ISM 54.5 Print Means for MRO Budgets

Prices Index jumped 6.8 points to 77.9 — 24 commodities up, none down

Distribution M&A Now Prices Technical Capability: The 16.2x Average Multiple

Q2 distribution deals rose 7.7% to 70, with MRO and safety at half the volume

Verify Landed Cost by SKU: A Tariff Surcharge Playbook

Section 232 expanded, and distributors are absorbing the margin instead of passing it. Fastenal's gross margin fell 75 basis points on price/cost.

The Standard Bearing Buying Window: Softer Prices, Shorter Lead Times

Standard ranges are running below Q1 2026 and reshoring cut lead times from 16 weeks to 8. The window closes in October.

Cutting Tool Cost in 2026: Tungsten, Surcharges, and What to Lock Now

Record dollars, flat units, and a January 1, 2027 sourcing deadline. The buying moves that protect tool-room budget.

Engineer-Led Sourcing: How Technical Support Shortens the Procurement Cycle

Stock Depth and Same-Day MRO: The Cost of Unplanned Downtime

Section 232 Steel Tariffs: What the August Expansion Means for Your MRO Budget

Bearing Mounting and Fit: Shaft Tolerances, Interference Classes, and Installation

Why most bearings fail before their rated life — and what to check at installation

Roller Chain and Sprockets: Pitch, Strands, and Tooth Count for Drive Reliability

How chain numbers, sprocket styles, and alignment determine drive life

Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: What the August Expansion Means for Your Bearing and PT Budget

407 new derivative HTS codes now face 50% duties. Here's what procurement should check before the next quote.

V-Belt Drive Basics: Cross Sections, Sheave Nomenclature, and Tensioning

How to read a stock sheave part number and keep classic V-belt drives running