THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS/NUTS


1. DO: Select the right grade.
There are many different grades of stainless steel. The two commonly used grades are 304 and 316, with 316 being more corrosion resistant than 304. The rule of thumb is that if the fastener is in a corrosive environment (e.g. within 5km of the coast), 316 is preferable, particularly if the fastener is to be seen, as 316 is less likley to 'tea-stain' or develop a brown discolouration (see photo of bracket showing tea-staining). Click here to know more about stainless steel hex nuts.
2.DO: Lubricate Threads.
Top stainless fastener engineers recommend that all stainless steel threads should be lubricated before being assembled, to reduce the risk of galling (this is when threads lock up). We have found the most risk of galling is with larger threads (M16 upwards), and also when using nyloc nuts. Click here to know more about stainless steel cage nuts.
3. DO: Select the right surface finish.
The smoother or more polished the finish, the better the corrosion resistance. Some stainless products have a brushed, satin or 'rougher' finish - e.g. sometmes on hinges, fittings, downpipes. This type of finish can trap minute particles (e.g. salt) which damage the protective chromium oxide layer on the stainless steel, causing 'tea-staining', and therefore giving a rusty appearance. This is made worse if the stainless steel is not exposed to rainwater to wash off the particles. Click here to know more about stainless steel flange nuts.
4. DO: Consider electropolishing
Electro-polishing or passivating (forms of acid treatment) improves corrosion resistance by thickening the naturally occuring protective chromium oxide layer that forms on stainless steel.
5. DO: Establish and follow a cleaning schedule
Stainless steel products 'on show' need to be cleaned to remove contaminants (e.g. salt) and therefore maintain the stainless steels appearance. Click here to know more about stainless steel wing nuts.
6. DO: Consider exposure to rainwater
Stainless steel resists corrosion due to its naturally occuring protective layer ('Chromium Oxide'). When contaminants settle on stainless steel, depending on the grade and the surface finish, these can damage this protective layer, allowing oxygen to react with the iron.
In the stainless steel causing it to rust. If the stainless steel is exposed to rainwater, then this should wash these contaminants away, restoring the stainless steel's protective layer.
Therefore if stainless steel is going to be sheltered from the rain, and it is in a corrosive envrionment, then consider options to enhance the corrosion resistance: select a more corrosion resistant grade; a smooth/polished/mirror finish; and electro-polishing. Click here to know more about stainless steel nuts.

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