Random Unhappiness

[melstan775]

I can't get lye anywhere. That means I have to order it. One, I am impatient. Two, I hate paying shipping. Okay, I feel better. :mrgreen:

 

[AngelMomma]

Have you tried looking at chemical supply companies. We found one here that supplies chemicals for cleaning etc. We called on a whim and the guy says, "Ya, of course. In 50lb bags"........Or plumbing supply stores where plumbing companies buy there pipes etc at wholesale. Worth a try.

 

[lsg]

You might try Ace's Hardware, Home Depot, Menards or Lowes if you have one in Reno. Sometimes they carry drain cleaner that is 100% sodium hydroxide. Just make sure it doesn't contain any other additives.

 

[melstan775]

I tried WalMart, Lowe's, and Ace's Hardware. I live in a rural area and our availablity is limited. Additionally the guy at Ace's told me no one carries Lye because of the issue with "street pharmaceutical manufacturers." I looked in Reno's phone books and online and didn't find anything. I have a friend who works at Lowe's who is double checking for me, but the likelyhood is I will have to order the lye from BB or another soap supplier.

 

[panzerakc]

I don't know where Sparks, NV is relative to your location, but these folks have sodium hydroxide:

http://www.sierrachemsales.com/

Anita

 

[SoapAddict415]

I hate waiting & paying for shipping too but I'm carless so I have to do a lot of online shopping. I recently started ordering from the lye guy. He sometimes offers specials that give you free lye. When I got mine, the special was buy 5 lbs get 1 free. The prices and shipping were reasonable. After factoring in bus fare & travel time, ordering lye from him was cheaper per ounce than what I paid at Lowes for a 2 lb container or Ace for a 1 lb container.

 

[judymoody]

I buy lye on-line and try to take advantage of sales. Including postage, it ends up costing me a bit less than $2/lb on average. Much cheaper than local stores.

I have done well with Essential Depot and AAA Chemical.

 

[AngelMomma]

I guess I should really be thankful!

 

[lsg]

Essential Depot is always running specials:

http://www.essentialdepot.com/servlet/the-Sodium-dsh-Hydroxide-dsh-Lye-dsh-Food-dsh-Grade/Categories

 

[melstan775]

Thanks ladies. I will check out the online retailers you all suggested. And I will call the chemical company in Sparks. Sparks is immediately adjacent to Reno and on my way into the city. It would be nothing to stop in if they will sell it to me. Thanks!

ETA: Looks like Essential Depot is going to be it. They have some really great deals on all kinds of supplies.

 

[Kersten]

The Lowes where I live does carry 100% lye, but what I found was it was still cheaper to buy online, even with shipping, than the price Lowes charges these days. I look for deals like the ones you often find at essential depot.

 

[MaitriBB]

I hate waiting & paying for shipping too but I'm carless so I have to do a lot of online shopping. I recently started ordering from the lye guy. He sometimes offers specials that give you free lye. When I got mine, the special was buy 5 lbs get 1 free. The prices and shipping were reasonable. After factoring in bus fare & travel time, ordering lye from him was cheaper per ounce than what I paid at Lowes for a 2 lb container or Ace for a 1 lb container.

Same here. And his containers are actually 2 lbs apiece I believe (32 oz containers - math is hard, y'all ) So you get 12 pounds for the price of 10.

 

[melstan775]

Okay, I priced lye around the internet and at an Ace's in Reno. The Lye Guy wins, with a Buy 5 get one free of 32 oz lye for 5.25 a bottle. Product total for 12 pounds of lye, with shipping came to less then 50 dollars. Bonus I don't even have to drive! Ace's in Reno was 53.00 for a one pound bottle. I was shocked that it came to that much. I can't imagine how they are selling it at that price per pound. Anyway, yay, have my lye source, should be able to buy it soon.

 

[kkimins]

WOW I am sooo lucky! My house is about 10 miles from The Lye Guy! Guess I'll thank my luck stars as this bodes well for my new found passion! BEFORE I discovered this important bit of info, I got lye from Essential Depot. (They had a promotion of 5 free oz with purchase of some of the oils I bought from them - it was enough to get me started....)

Glad you got your source worked out!