Guide to Stainless Steel Fastener Selection

Stainless steel fasteners find application in architectural and structural projects along with extensive industrial applications. They are available in multiple types, offering ultimate strength and corrosion resistance. Hence, one must ensure certain things during fastener selection per your application. The following article discusses stainless steel fastener selection tips per project requirement.

Stainless Steel Fastener Selection: Few Points to Select Per Your Application

Experts at Doshi Impex India, a leading stainless steel fastener supplier, highlight ways to select stainless steel fasteners:

1. Selecting the appropriate fastener grade

The fastener grade highly depends on its strength, fastening material, and corrosion resistance. Following are the top material grades for fastener selection:

• Grade 304: Stainless steel grade 304 is a common grade and mainly finds application in fasteners essential for household projects or projects requiring coastal exteriors.
• Grade 316: It is famous for surgical grade fasteners and given its high corrosion resistance and rust resistance is perfect for surgical applications.

2. Selecting an appropriate surface finish

The smooth surface finish on fasteners improves their corrosion resistance. Top stainless steel fastener suppliers like Doshi Impex India feature fasteners with brushed, rough, or satin surface finish. 

Most of these fastener finishes help to catch dust particles. They generate tea stains which render a rusty look to the fasteners. The situation can worsen if the fastener comes in contact with rain water or running water. Hence, it is crucial to consider the surface finish as per the fastener application.

3. Check options like electro-polishing

Fasteners operating in corrosive environments come with chromium oxide coating to prevent damage from corrosion. These fasteners often undergo acid treatment or electro-polishing treatments to enhance the corrosion resistance of chromium oxide. Hence, one must consider a reputed fastener manufacturer when considering electro-polishing options for your fasteners.

4. Check the situation for galvanic corrosion

Fasteners undergo galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metals. For example, galvanic corrosion occurs after installing lead or copper flashings on aluminum roofs. Hence, one must always investigate the fastener’s area of application. At times, there are instances when one cannot avoid contact with dissimilar metals. Hence, one can use nylon or rubber barriers to isolate the metals from each other.

5. Prevent the purchase of fasteners made of low-nickel stainless steel

Multiple fastener suppliers offer low-nickel stainless steel fasteners. One must avoid the purchase of such fasteners, even though these fasteners are available at cheap prices as they have low strength and corrosion resistance.

Final thoughts

Stainless steel fasteners are a crucial part of any system and hence require careful selection. The above guide will help you make the right selection. If you are still unsure about fastener selection, it is wise to consult an expert fastener manufacturer. Leading suppliers like Doshi Impex India offer high-quality stainless steel fasteners, pipe fittings, pipes, and other accessories. They also offer different types of fasteners like bolt fasteners and belt fasteners.

Experts at the company also provide project assistance to all customers. They can help with material selection, product installation, and maintenance. The company is a leading supplier of high-grade metal fasteners and delivers all products on time. If you are looking for high-quality fasteners or flanges, consult Doshi Impex India today!