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McMaster-Carr

Industrial supply catalogue with half a million parts, organised so well that engineers browse it purely for pleasure.

Opens in a new tab. We do not control this site and it may have changed since we catalogued it.

How to get the most from it

McMaster-Carr sits in Weird Shops under Weird, filed as coffee break.

  • Set aside five to fifteen minutes and give it your proper attention.
  • Use a laptop or desktop computer — we file it as desktop only.
  • It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
  • No account needed — you can start without signing up.
  • Go in expecting something useful, brainy and mesmerising.

About this category: Bizarre product galleries and gift catalogues. Browsing is free and considerably wiser than buying.

Good for

  • Filling a coffee break properly
  • Getting something practical done
  • Giving your brain a workout
  • Watching something hypnotic for a while
  • A quiet break at your desk
  • Trying it with zero commitment

McMaster-Carr: quick answers

Is McMaster-Carr free?

Yes. McMaster-Carr is free to use and needs no account.

Do I need an account to use McMaster-Carr?

No. You can use McMaster-Carr without signing up for anything.

Does McMaster-Carr work on a phone?

Not well. We file McMaster-Carr as desktop only, so open it on a laptop or desktop computer.

Is McMaster-Carr safe for work?

Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.

How long does McMaster-Carr take?

We file it as "Coffee break": Five to fifteen minutes of proper attention.

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