Stainless steel screws are strong, durable and highly corrosion-resistant. They’re ideal for outdoor projects such as decks, sheds, lawn decorations and more. They’re also popular for use indoors, as they can be used in a variety of applications. Stainless steel screws are more expensive than their galvanized counterparts, but they have many benefits that make them an excellent investment for your project.
Whether you need to build something for your home, your business or for an industrial application, you’ll want the best fasteners available. Choosing the right materials for your project will ensure that it is successful and long-lasting. While carbon steel and stainless steel both offer the strength and durability you need for any project, stainless steel offers a number of additional advantages over other types of fasteners.
When selecting the proper fasteners for your project, it is important to understand the different strengths and weaknesses of each type of screw. Stainless steel screws are made from a combination of steel and chromium, making them much stronger than carbon steel screws and resistant to rusting and corrosion in moist environments. They’re also non-magnetic, so they won’t interfere with electrical equipment or devices like compasses.
Other kinds of fasteners, such as ceramic-coated zinc, offer decent rust resistance by relying on a layer of tough exterior coating to protect the raw steel beneath. While this might seem sufficient, it’s important to remember that the coating can eventually wear away or be scratched off, leaving the exposed steel vulnerable to rust and corrosion. With stainless steel, especially 316 grade stainless steel, this issue is eliminated.
Stainless steel screws are available in a wide variety of sizes and head types to accommodate any need. For instance, self-drilling stainless steel screws have a hardened carbon steel drill tip welded to the screw shank to eliminate the need for pre-drilling. These are often used in aluminum framing and a variety of panel applications. However, they require slower speed screw guns to prevent thread rollover and preserve the integrity of the material.
Regardless of the application, a few simple tips can help you get the most out of your stainless steel screws. Always store them in a dry place where they’re protected from moisture and other elements that can cause corrosion. In addition, make sure to wipe down the heads of your screws regularly to remove dust and other contaminants that can kick-start corrosion when they come in contact with the metal. Lastly, be sure to use a cleaning schedule for your tools to avoid contaminating the stainless steel with minute amounts of iron, which can lead to rust and corrosion. Taking these steps will help you achieve the maximum lifespan for your stainless steel screws and other components.
