Stainless nuts and bolts?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 253
Likes: 42
From: Moultrie Ga
I've had to use Fastenal for various fine thread stainless bolts and nuts.
As has been said, most important to use never seize always on SS. I was using an odd 3/8 coarse stainless nut and bolt to hold a suspension piece on my golf cart while doing some mods, needed to run the nut up a bit and had my ratchet handy. Well after running it up about an inch of threads it stopped, and it was a full 1/4 inch or more from touching anything. It was a real bitch to get in there and hacksaw the thing off! No pressure, no tension, just free threads and it galled. (no lube either as I wasn't going to leave it there) But I do like stainless and use it on everything that's not load bearing or a safety issue.
As has been said, most important to use never seize always on SS. I was using an odd 3/8 coarse stainless nut and bolt to hold a suspension piece on my golf cart while doing some mods, needed to run the nut up a bit and had my ratchet handy. Well after running it up about an inch of threads it stopped, and it was a full 1/4 inch or more from touching anything. It was a real bitch to get in there and hacksaw the thing off! No pressure, no tension, just free threads and it galled. (no lube either as I wasn't going to leave it there) But I do like stainless and use it on everything that's not load bearing or a safety issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
The stainless you get in the hardware store are grade 5 - generally OK for non-stressed fasteners and generally available in Florida for marine applications. I've used these on my 77 where applicable, ALWAYS coating the threads with anti-sieze. For Grade 8 and specialty fasteners, I've found http://www.totallystainless.com/ to be a diverse and helpful supplier oriented towards automobile applications.
If you are convinced you want to go with a stainless fastener, you'll find it with the folks at Totally Stainless. They also offer some 'kits' for different vehicles, and lots of other items such as SS Door striker bolts. If you have a striker bolt that uses two washers, they have extra long ones that eliminate the extra washer, or can machine one just for your application. They also have SS bolts with greater than grade 8 strength, including U-bolts for most vehicles. Also, if you have a particular bolt/stud you are looking for and they don't have it, they do special orders and will machine just about any fastener you can imagine. Some of their standard bolts/kits are even ARP.
Their shipping time is industry norm, but special orders can take considerably more time, always ask. You can down load their catalog, or ask them to send you one. It's full of information related to stainless fasteners and an excellent reference guide.
Good luck... GUSTO
Last edited by GUSTO14; Mar 5, 2019 at 04:54 PM.
