QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (the "Company") for the fiscal year ended August 30, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, David Sandler, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)

the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and



(2)

the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: October 28, 2008

/s/ DAVID SANDLER
David Sandler
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

        A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. and will be retained by it and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002