...... Nothing wrong with using a hardware store bolt for starter.
As long as it is a Grade 5 bolt or bettter, and not one of those soft ones with no marks on the head...
I believe I'd have to disagree with you Mel. Properly torqued, they are better able to handle all loads - shear, tensile - than Gr 5 or less. Equally good in fatigue. I have been wrong - someone offer me details or reference.Although it would probably work fine in this case, I would avoid using grade 8 bolts on aircraft. They tend to be brittle and don't tolerate vibration well.