Headboard fixing bolts - where to buy?

[Boggler]

We've moved house and managed to lose the fixings bolts to connect our headboard to the bed. I know I can get some online but I really want it connected today, so does anyone know where I can buy some? I sent DH to B&Q yesterday and he came back empty handed - although given his level of knowledge of anything that requires a screwdriver this is not too surprising.

I don't think he can have tried very hard! Any hardware shop should stock a multitude of different nuts and bolts. Have a look at screwfix online to prime yourself in what to look for... I'd guess roofing bolts would be a good place to start: they come in A variety of sizes, and you might want to use them with wing nuts. The main thing is to measure the length the bolt will need to pass through (overestimate this slightly, rather than risk getting it too short) and the size of the hole (err on the side of underestimate). Take your measurements and your ruler with you, and if you can't find what you want you could do the intelligent thing and ask someone in the shop!

I think it is an M8 cheese-headed bolt, about 35mm long. If you have another bed in the house take the screws out of that as samples.

Yes, it is M8. You will need large washers as well. Ask for M8 penny washers. You can see examples if you look on eBay for "bed headboard screw"

There is a threaded nut in the frame of the bed so only an M8 screw will fit.

Ah, see we have a bed with headboard which uses wing nuts... Nothing is fixed into the frame.

Piglet thanks for the advice I shall try and track down some M8 screws & washers. I think that DH was looking for something actually called headboard screws! And unfortunately all our other beds are bed frames and therefore no screw fixings required.

Do be too hard on him Boggler B&Q don't stock them. I was after some a couple of months ago and our (very large) B&Q said they didn't stock. Got some of Ebay in the end.

the big plastic washers are to reduce damage to the wall plaster

I actually got some proper headboard screws with plastic covers from my local bed shop, I just popped in to see if they sold them and the very helpful owner gave me 2 and wouldn't take a penny. There are some lovely kind people out there and I now have a securely fitted headboard and my bedroom looks like it should

I found these guys when facing a similar issue, had a couple of sizes and found one that worked -

www.bpfonline.co.uk/search.asp?catid=3988

And you buy them individually which was handy as we only needed one.