Another Solar Setup
Many thanks to all you folks who helped me work out the details of my solar installation. And for the many examples of your craftsmanship. This link to some pictures may work: Picassa Album "Solar...
Forum Discussion
Quote:
Biggest problem? When bolting the Al angles together and to the Solar Panel frames, about 50% of the "cheap" SS locknuts from Home Depot would jam almost immediately and have to be hack-sawed off. Eventually gave up, returned what was left and used standard zinc-plated bolts, nuts & lockwashers. If I ever get over the trauma, maybe someday I'll replace those with SS.
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SS bolts just love to "gall", meaning the bolt is just waiting to tear in to the nut and become the same as a welded "1 pc". Not many know this, but the proper way to bolt SS, is to use antiseize on the threads. That will completely eliminate the seizing and galling.
The SS bolts you purchased were regular run of the mill, w/ an average strength of a little more than a grade 2, but adequate for what you're doing. You can buy SS bolts that will have grade 5-8 strength, but hard to find, and very expensive. But they will still gall, and must be used w/ antiseize.
Biggest problem? When bolting the Al angles together and to the Solar Panel frames, about 50% of the "cheap" SS locknuts from Home Depot would jam almost immediately and have to be hack-sawed off. Eventually gave up, returned what was left and used standard zinc-plated bolts, nuts & lockwashers. If I ever get over the trauma, maybe someday I'll replace those with SS.
------------------------------------------------------------------
SS bolts just love to "gall", meaning the bolt is just waiting to tear in to the nut and become the same as a welded "1 pc". Not many know this, but the proper way to bolt SS, is to use antiseize on the threads. That will completely eliminate the seizing and galling.
The SS bolts you purchased were regular run of the mill, w/ an average strength of a little more than a grade 2, but adequate for what you're doing. You can buy SS bolts that will have grade 5-8 strength, but hard to find, and very expensive. But they will still gall, and must be used w/ antiseize.
