Why stainless steel is the ideal material for your fasteners

Stainless steel fasteners come in a wide variety of forms: screws, bolts, nuts or washers, for example. Whichever type of fastener you are using, stainless steel is probably the best material for them, and certainly the most popular. Here are some of the reasons why stainless steel makes the best fasteners.

Corrosion resistance

One of the biggest advantages is that stainless steel fasteners do not suffer from corrosion. This is because a thin layer of chromium oxide coats the outside of the fastener, which protects the rest of the fastener from oxidation or corrosive chemicals. This is particularly important if you will need to remove the screw or bolt from time to time — corrosion can cause it to seize up and make it impossible to remove. A corroded fastener can also become weak and fail completely, which can have disastrous consequences.

Self-repair capacity

This layer of chromium oxide has another amazing property, it can allow the fastener to self-repair. If the screw or bolt suffers any kind of dent, it will become exposed to oxygen. This will cause another layer of oxide to form over the exposed metal. The new layer will then go on to protect it from further corrosion.

Durability

Thirdly, stainless steel fasteners will last for a long time. As long as they have been installed correctly, they will not have to be replaced for many years, if not decades. They are strong enough that they are unlikely to become damaged while they are in place. They can also withstand extremes of temperature and can even be used in water because of their resistance to corrosion. Because of this, they are the most cost-effective solution in the long run, as cheaper fasteners will need to be replaced more often.

Appearance

Finally, stainless steel screws and bolts have a very attractive modern and sleek appearance. If they are going to be on show, it is important to use fasteners that have a strong visual appeal. With stainless steel, you can be sure that you have attractive components that will not deteriorate over time. They will be in place for a long time, so you will want fastenings that people can bear to see.

Conclusion

Its durability and resistance to corrosion make stainless steel the ideal material for your fasteners. Just talk to your supplier for more information on the types and materials of fasteners that are available.