I purchased a large quantity of #8 stainless steel screws from BOLT DEPOT, to replace screws in my 14 year old5th wheel. Most of the original screws had severe rust problems. Even screws that were covered with plastic trim, the heads were OK, but the tips had rusted down past the threads. When I tried to use the screws, I had terrible results with the heads stripping out and 1 just snapped. I had only used 5 screws, thenI realized that it would be foolish to replace approximately 300 screws with junk. The new stainless steel screws could be picked up with a magnet. Having had good luck with Graingers on other products; I decided I would check their web site. The following is a sample of 2 screws they offer:Stainless Steel Tapping Sheet Metal Screwwith Pan Head Type and Plain Finish$23.55 pkg of 50 Stainless Steel Tapping Sheet Metal Screwwith Pan Head Type and Plain Finish$14.05 pkg of 100The first screw is priced at $.47 per screw, while the second screw is priced at $.14 per screw.. The Descriptions are identical and there are otherspriced between those two. How can I determine which screw is the proper value?Any advise would be helpful

I had the same exact problem. New SS screws justTwisted apart.

All I know is that the seemingly good quality ss screws I've used from the local HDW stores, do not stick to a magnet.Having said that, they also are not as strong as a regular steelscrew of the same size.

1) there are a large number of types of stainless steel2) not all stainless steel types are non magnetic. If it is not magnetic it is stainless, brass, aluminum etc. If it is magnetic it can either be stainless or "regular" steel.3) the degree of rust resistance depends on the type. It is "stain less" not "stain free" many exhaust systems are stainless but will develop surface rust. just won't rust through in a lifetime.4) the grades of stainless that are most rust resistance often are not as strong as regular steel hardware. In fact some are pretty brittle.to determine how stain free it is and how strong you need to know the grade of stainless and then look up that grade to see what it's properties are.

My advice would be to check a sheet metal forum online or, contact a sheet metal shop.They could probably advise you where to buy good screws.I agree, it would be foolish to replace the factory screws with junk.

Stainless Steel Screw Standards | Good Sam Community

mike-s
Explorer
Jul 15, 2018
Don't expect stainless sheet metal screws to thread their way through steel of any thickness. They're simply not as strong as steel screws. Make sure you get the right size (are you perhaps replacing #6 with #8?), and when installing them, use a hand screwdriver and go CCW until you feel the "click" where the screw drops into thread, and only then go forward so you're following the existing threads and not trying to create new ones.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jul 15, 2018
There are many grades of Stainless.
Some are ferromagnetic (Picked up by a magnet) others not.
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 15, 2018
Stripped head? Phillips or Robertson drive? I would take the square drive any day.

And set the torque limit a bit lower on the drill to keep the heads on.
2_many_2
Explorer III
Jul 15, 2018
Stainless screws are pretty soft, rated somewhat like a Grade 2 in hardness.

You are most likely getting 18-8 stainless that is "rust resistant" and if they are made in China they are even more prone to rust. 316 stainless is more resistant, you might try that type, that is all I will buy if available.

I buy all my fasteners from McMaster-Carr The choices are endless and the quality is the best I have found.

Another thing that is nice at McMaster is you will probably get the choice of a Robertson Square drive that is less prone to stripping.

Good luck
2_many_2
Explorer III
Jul 15, 2018
OOPS! DBL post
gbopp
Explorer
Jul 15, 2018
My advice would be to check a sheet metal forum online or, contact a sheet metal shop.
They could probably advise you where to buy good screws.
I agree, it would be foolish to replace the factory screws with junk.
ktmrfs
Explorer II
Jul 15, 2018
1) there are a large number of types of stainless steel
2) not all stainless steel types are non magnetic. If it is not magnetic it is stainless, brass, aluminum etc. If it is magnetic it can either be stainless or "regular" steel.
3) the degree of rust resistance depends on the type. It is "stain less" not "stain free" many exhaust systems are stainless but will develop surface rust. just won't rust through in a lifetime.
4) the grades of stainless that are most rust resistance often are not as strong as regular steel hardware. In fact some are pretty brittle.

to determine how stain free it is and how strong you need to know the grade of stainless and then look up that grade to see what it's properties are.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Jul 15, 2018
All I know is that the seemingly good quality ss screws I've used from the local HDW stores, do not stick to a magnet.

Having said that, they also are not as strong as a regular steel
screw of the same size.
raroberts
Explorer
Jul 15, 2018
I had the same exact problem. New SS screws just
Twisted apart.

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