The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Gen Q. Re Stainless Nuts, Bolts, Screws

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here!
Not too long ago, there was a thread about pros and cons of using stainless steel nuts, bolts, and screws, to put sheet metal parts together,
Can any one point me to that thread?
Can anyone give me their thoughts now on pros/ cons of using stainless versus other types?
There was discussion of "Spalling" which I have no experience of seeing.
Thank you all for all the help. I learn new things here every day!
Mike Stone.

Stainless steel fasteners are fine. You just need to use anti-seize on the threads to prevent galling (not spalling) and being unable to tighten or loosen them. I experienced that when mounting a sonar transmitter on a boat. It locked up just prior to getting tight enough. I wound up snapping it off and getting a new screw and nut. I used anti-seize the second time.

Galvanized steel or zinc plated fasteners don't have that issue, because zinc is a softer metal and acts as a lubricant of sorts.

I had the same issue when putting a new toilet in my sailboat. It was a nightmare. now I always use anti-seize. It's not a bad idea to use it on most bolts such as exhaust manifolds and even spark plugs. you can get a jar of it for a few bucks that will last a lifetime.

Be aware that some anti seize compounds are not compatible with stainless steel. Check the label, or do a little research before deciding which product to use.

"Silver threads among the galled!"
Jerry

The only "pros" are they don't rust.

For interior sheet metal trim screws, stainless looks nice and shinny. Good choice.

The cons are galling (dissimilar metal problems), price, unnecessary.

Use Gr 5 hardware. The strength of Gr 5 is equal or greater than the SS hardware that vendors sell. Gr 5 used in our trucks won't rust for 50+ years.

I have not heard that about any anti seize that is not compatible with stainless metal.
Though some procedures did say to only use N-5000 on Safety related stainless bolting.

Don

Low quality/off brand copper based anti seize can dry out and wash out and leave components/hardware unprotected. This warning is usually concerning aluminum, carbon steel, galvanized and sometimes stainless. Dissimilar metal situations. I think the top brand makers have overcome this issue.

When we were installing stainless pipe with NPT threads for a new wine filtering system at E&J Gallo in Livingston CA, we were required to use an extremely expensive thread lube/anti seize compound to prevent galling of the threads. The maintenance foreman would get upset if he found a can of Never-Seez or regular pipe dope anywhere near that project. If a joint galled, there was no unscrewing it at all- - - - -get out the sawzall!
Jerry

Ok Hotrod, you’re talking FOOD grade for the winery. I know we love our trucks, but I doubt Mike is planning to eat off his truck unless he’s building a classic Taco vending truck. Maybe we should be on the lookout at a future event.

Hmmmm- - - - -and this is the same company that used lead/tin solder to assemble a steam-powered distillery capable of producing 2K gallons per hour of 99.5% pure ethanol!
Jerry