Springfield, MO Parts and Tool Vendors

Provided by Don Jackson, AE5K

Note: This was originaly written in 2002 and revised slightly in November, 2005. If anyone has changes or corrections, please notify the webmaster.

Radio Shack:

Yes, Radio Shack (at least the one I visited in Springfield on S. Glenstone just north of Sunshine) still has packages of heat shrink tubing assortment...both colors and black. The clerk never heard of Q-dope (which is what I expected). RS did not have the 8 pin round microphone (chassis/panel mount) connector (Kenwood) either, although they did have the mic end plug.

Omega Two, Inc.:

Omega Two, Inc on Kearney. We visited Omega to find they no longer have their "surplus" store, but just maintain their contract manufacturing shop there. They do have some surface mount resistors and caps that they will sell you -- accumulated surplus from their manufacturing operation. Since I did not need any, I didn't inquire as to variety of values or price. Did have a nice chat with VP Allen Penn there. He indicated that Heather Electronics Supply was the ONLY place left in the Springfield area for general parts (outside of Radio Shack).

Heather Electronics Supply Co.:

A note from Jerry, NØJRN: Just wanted to let you know those folks are out of business as the owner retired and shut it down. (March 2, 2006)

Sam's Club:

Sam's Club is a pretty good source for some computer parts such as Winmodems, USB ports and cables, hard drives. They also have both compact-flash and smart-media cards there (camera area) which are starting to be used in some computer/ham projects.

Springfield Technology:

Springfield Technology on Main has some pretty good prices on computer items. Not open Saturdays. South a little ways from Chestnut Expressway. On west side of street at rear of building.

Harbor Freight Tools:

A visit to the Harbor Freight Tools store is worth your time if you are in the Springfield area. It is located at 3909 S. Campbell, south of Battlefield Rd and north of US60, on west side of street. They have a bunch of tools of interest to the QRP/homebrewer. They are similar to Grizzley, but carry much more variety of items. I picked up a nice assortment of insulated terminal connectors (150 piece assortment for $2.99), a lifetime supply of 720 pieces of various washers (lock, star, etc.) for $5.99, a nice 5-piece metal file assortment for $5.99, and some extra drill bits.

I also looked over their $19.99 metal 18" brake and some of the other metalworking tools. CAUTION: most of their stuff is fairly good, but made in China often, and definitely not of the quality of a Sears Craftsman tool for example, but often adequate for the job and the price is right! HFT is often referenced on the QRP-L email list.

Grizzley:

See comments above regarding difference between Grizzley and Harbor Freight Tools. They are located on the NW corner of Battlefield and the Kansas Expressway. They seem to carry less low end items than HFT does and their metal working (and wood working) tools seem higher quality.

Let's all add to this knowlege base ...

72/73,
Don AE5K

Revised March 10, 2006