I'm usually the last one to figure stuff like this out, but I thought I would pass it along anyway.Have you ever worked on a project and put a lot of time and money into doing a much better job than the problem warranted and then have one insignificant component choice screw the whole thing up?A year ago I was configuring a kit boat and bought the stainless fasteners at Lowes. The problem was that the big box stores and hardware stores sell at best 304 stainless steel and not 316 which has more corrosive resistance. I now order fasteners online. Not sure if this is the best or cheapest place, but I use Bolt Depot, http://www.boltdepot.comNot only can you get 316, but there is a much better selection and you can buy any quantity you want. Much easier to order online than standing at those bins at Lowes and trying to write all those item numbers on a plastic bag with a ball point pen. You also get your fasteners separated into clearly marked packets that can be resealed. Now, let's get this stinking camping trip over with so we can go back home and work on some projects. ;)

Maybe that is why it's called stain less in some quaters

Yep, and that's one reason why the HW at a marine store is even more expensive.

And if you want even more corrosion resistant S.S purchase 316L SS. Of course now you are getting into the industrial grade alloys. I don't think the big box stores are even 304 SS quality. I never say 304 SS rust like that. That is definitely not what is in the pictures. All grades of stainless steel, just like grades of aluminum, are not alike. You get what you pay for.

3oaks wrote:I don't think the big box stores are even 304 SS quality. I never saw 304 SS rust like that. That is definitely not what is in the pictures. Yes, I agree, I think we can assume they use the cheapest material that can still be called stainless. I forgot to add that the boat spends a lot of time in the ocean and that it gets a lot of ocean spray.

so true.. most motorcycle brake rotors are stainless.. and they rust after one afternoon of rain...but NOT like British motorcycles that used to use Iron rotors... and started rusting before arriving at dealers New.

DIY Tip: Stainless is not always stainless | Good Sam Community

Gjac
Explorer III
Aug 04, 2016
myredracer wrote:
What I hate is when they deliver your TT to the dealer in the winter when there is salt on the road and they don't rinse it off. Doesn't take long before the zinc or cad (or cadmium alternative) plated fasteners and various parts & pieces along with any painted steel gets corroded. :M The coatings seem like they are only a few atoms thick at the most and only *look* like they are protected with a coating.

I replaced some of the factory nuts, bolts and self-tapping screw with S/S and found that some of self-tappers sheared off (small screws) in a short time and that I couldn't get nylock nuts off due to galling and had to use a cutoff wheel. Probably should have used lube on the threads. These were Ace Hardware grade and I would assume type 304.

I know that type 316 has better corrosion resistance due to molybdenum in it but not sure if it has better tensile or shear strength or reduced galling? One thing I know for sure is even the commonplace 304 fasteners are flippin' expensive. Next time I think I will go to our local Fastenal branch instead of a hardware store.
Your right about 316, it has very good corrosion resistance being an austenitic SS but it is not very strong. The martensitic SS is is very hard and much stronger. 440 is a good choice for higher tensile strength but you sacrifice the corrosion properties.
buta4
Explorer
Aug 04, 2016
Good stainless steel may not "stain" but it can "rust, pit,corrode".
seaeagle2
Explorer
Aug 03, 2016
Stainless is funny stuff, some corrodes when exposed to salt water and oxygen, some when there is salt water and no oxygen. Washington State Ferry system had to replace some fire sprinkler lines on the car decks of some of the ferries because they used the wrong grade of stainless and the stagnate salt water in the lines corroded through the lines. It was an expensive lesson in the difference in grades of stainless.
tinner12002
Explorer
Aug 01, 2016
Make sure you use some anti-seize on the SS bolts or you'll never get the nuts apart down the road should you decide to change something.
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 30, 2016
http://www.bosunsupplies.com/StainlessInfo2/
myredracer
Explorer II
Jul 30, 2016
What I hate is when they deliver your TT to the dealer in the winter when there is salt on the road and they don't rinse it off. Doesn't take long before the zinc or cad (or cadmium alternative) plated fasteners and various parts & pieces along with any painted steel gets corroded. :M The coatings seem like they are only a few atoms thick at the most and only *look* like they are protected with a coating.

I replaced some of the factory nuts, bolts and self-tapping screw with S/S and found that some of self-tappers sheared off (small screws) in a short time and that I couldn't get nylock nuts off due to galling and had to use a cutoff wheel. Probably should have used lube on the threads. These were Ace Hardware grade and I would assume type 304.

I know that type 316 has better corrosion resistance due to molybdenum in it but not sure if it has better tensile or shear strength or reduced galling? One thing I know for sure is even the commonplace 304 fasteners are flippin' expensive. Next time I think I will go to our local Fastenal branch instead of a hardware store.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Jul 29, 2016
As a boater we always joke that stainless does not mean rustless. It is all about the grade of stainless. And yes, the better grade is going to cost more.

I have been on a marinization campaigne for some time in my 5er. Various cheap & nasty OEM fasteners have been replaced with SS.
Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Jul 28, 2016
Touch it with a magnet if it sticks it most likely will rust. Several grades of stainless.
down_home
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2016
Bought an expensive Kimber handgun. Advertised as Stainless, so naturally you would take it that is was stainless steel. The Salesman said it says stainless steel right there.
Barrel and slide are carbon steel and fram aluminum all covered in a nickle teflon coating like Mossberg.
So simply because it says stainless does not mean it is stainless steel.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jul 28, 2016
Tyler0215 wrote:
What's sex bolt? Sounds kinky! I want some!

This should answer your question! :B
Barney