Stainless hardware

[Bruce53]

I was told that the use of stainless nuts, bolts, etc on iron core causes galvanic corrosion because ss and iron are different metals. I have constantly shifted to ss whenever I could and haven't spotted any corrosion in those places that I use them. SS is simply an iron (steel) and nickel alloy, right? What is the right word here?

And has there been any advancement in the protection of chrome fixtures like chocks, cleats and handrails?

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Stainless hardware

I think stainless is the best for your stated uses. There are different grades of stainless, some that will corrode faster against ferrous steel than others.

The softer the stainless, the more resistant it is. Your harder grades, made for tensile strength are the ones that can cause corrosion issues.

Some have claimed that Stainless and aluminum do not get along. I'll defer to the experts here. Suffice it to say, I think that many OEM bolts in aluminum outdrives must be stainless 'cause I've never seen any iron oxide forming on them.

 

[Don S]

Re: Stainless hardware

If you are using SS deck fittings, the SS screws are basically the same.
If you are using Chrome plated bronze hardware, SS will work as well as Bronze, but the SS looks like the chrome plated fittings.
If you use those cheap Zamac-Zimac-Zemuck, however you spell it, hardware........ Pound a galvanized nail in and bend it over.
Stainless and Aluminum.... Well the alum. corrodes. The corrosion builds up and up and up till the 2 parts are so tight against each other they seize. This is when the blue tipped wrench comes out, and drill bits clean the holes out in aluminum.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Stainless hardware

Zirconimun (sp)...cheap coating over steel..belongs in a boat only if in a junkyard​