If you’ve ever worked on your car, you know there are times when a nut or bolt has gone missing. Or maybe you’re restoring a classic car and you need a whole host of bolts to attach all of the parts you’ve found in Pomona? Well, that’s where TMK Fasteners comes in. TMK specializes in nuts and bolts, and they cater to the automotive industry. We recently caught up with Thomas Kern, the owner of TMK and a Pomona Swap Meet regular. You can find him on Road 17, Spaces 39 and 41.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF…

PSM:  When and how did you get started in this industry? Why nuts and bolts?
TK:  My dad started the company in 1963, when he came over from Germany. He was a machinist so he started manufacturing nuts and bolts, and then he started selling to the auto industry. I took over the company in 1997 when he retired.

Nuts and bolts... lots and lots of nuts and bolts!

Nuts and bolts… lots and lots of nuts and bolts! Bag ’em and weigh ’em!

PSM:  What’s the best part of your job?
TK:  Being my own boss, and helping people get the best value for their money.

PSM:  Have you always been interested in classic cars?
TK:  Yes. My first car was a 1957 Ford Thunderbird.

PSM:  If you won the lottery, what’s the first classic car you would buy?
TK:  I would buy back my first car!

PSM:  Ford or Chevy?
TK:  Ford. I always have an F-250 Super Duty.

NOW TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPANY…

PSM:  How can customers contact you?
TK:  They can call 951-784-3002 or come by the shop:

2061 3rd Street, #A
Riverside, CA 92507

PSM:  How long have you been coming to Pomona?
TK:  We started going to Pomona in 2002 to get rid of overstock, but then it turned into big business.

PSM:  Okay, so what exactly do you sell?
TK:  We sell nuts and bolts! Grades 5 and 8, stainless, and all OEM. We also have SAE and USS washers, and lock washers.

 

PSM:  What’s the lowdown on nuts and bolts? What does the typical car guy need to know?
TK:  There’s a difference between Grade 5 and Grade 8. Some people want the best, and some don’t. Stainless steel bolts have a lower grade, but they don’t rust and they can be polished to look like glass. If you want high quality bolts, ask me!

PSM:  What do most people buy from you?
TK:  Most people get Grade 5 bolts, and lots of stainless!

PSM:  Do you sell anything else? Any other products?
TK:  Yes, I also sell Auveco parts, which are all original car parts. And I carry hose clamps, 3M electrical tape, and Champion drill bits.

PSM:  What separates you from the competition?
TK:  Service and price. We cater to the auto industry. And we sell everything by weight. You can buy one bolt, or a thousand. I don’t care if the bag is mixed or kept separate, I just weigh it with a smile on my face. Most of my customers have been buying from me for as long as I’ve been coming to Pomona… because I treat them fairly, and I give the best price and value for their money.

PSM:  Do you offer any special swap meet deals or discounts?
TK:  We sell by the weight, which is why everyone keeps coming back. But, yes, I give a lot of volume discounts.

PSM:  Anything else that customers should know?
TK:  I guarantee all of my products and will take anything back. My salesman can also come to you to stock your shop. And we ship all over the country. If I don’t have something you need out in Pomona, just let me know and I can get it for you. We do special orders, and if you call by the Wednesday of the show week, I can bring whatever you need to Pomona.

Working on a classic car, you know you’re going to need nuts and bolts. Plan ahead, figure out what you need, and come see Thomas and TMK Fasteners at the next Pomona Swap Meet & Classic Car Show. He’ll be on Road 17, Spaces 39 and 41!