RE: Cheap Alternatives to stuff at the hobby shop
Must agree with the multiple Harbor Freight mentions. They are a modeler's toyland, and their prices are always cheap cheap cheap. Granted, I wouldn't go there if I wanted a long-life or heavy-duty tool, but for the small stuff like mentioned above, they rule. Besides the things above, I've found deals on:
Big tub of zip ties for $3. there's like...300-400 in there or something.
Huge tray of 100+ dremel bits, $11.
Giant drawer thing of eleventy-bazillion screws, nuts, etc - $19
The list goes on and on. Harbor Freight rules.