Are Stainless Steel Screws Rust Proof?
When it comes to rust-resistant fasteners, stainless steel screws are the absolute best option. Stainless steel screws contain certain properties that allow them to withstand harsh outdoor elements to greater effect. As a result of their rust-resistant design, stainless steel fasteners see use in many outdoor projects.
Continue reading to learn more about the qualities that give stainless steel screws rust-proof supremacy and the jobs they easily accommodate.
What Makes Stainless Steel Screws Rust Proof?
Stainless steel fasteners feature unique qualities that result in greater rust resistance than nearly any other variety. The major difference between stainless steel screws and other rust-resistant options is that these fasteners are solid stainless, where others feature a stainless coating on top of a different material. A simple answer is that there are basically two different types of stainless when dealing with screws. 410 stainless (includes some carbon steel to make it stronger and magnetic) and 18-8 (includes all the 300 series of stainless and are non-magnetic).
Stainless steel screws originate from the steel industry’s peak in the early 1900s and have grown to include a few different formulas over time, the most common being ferritic, austenitic and martensitic. These varieties are characterized by their content of minerals like chromium, nickel, titanium and copper. The strongest stainless steel screws have high levels of chromium.
Stainless steel screws achieve elevated rust resistance thanks to their chromium-oxide composition. Fasteners with a chromium oxide coating provide extra resistance to rust and corrosion by using the added oxygen as a protective layer. The chromium oxide coating can deteriorate as contaminants settle on the screw’s surface, but rainwater washes these contaminants away and preserves the fastener’s protective layer. As a result, stainless steel screws are the perfect outdoor fastening solution.
Uses for Stainless Steel Screws
Manufacturers use stainless steel to develop multiple types of fasteners that serve different purposes. Because they comprise such strong, durable material, stainless steel screws find use in numerous applications and are especially useful for outdoor projects. If you’re building something that will face prolonged exposure to rain and other weather conditions, stainless steel fasteners are an excellent option. From building decks to outdoor furniture, sheds, lawn decorations and more, stainless steel screws boast weather-resistant qualities that make them a popular choice outdoors.
Are There Other Rust-Resistant Screws?
Stainless steel screws are the best choice for rust resistance, but there are a few other options that will work in a pinch. The most notable substitute for stainless steel screws are screws that are ceramic coated. Ceramic-coated screws offer decent rust resistance thanks to a strong exterior coating, but they lack the fully stainless steel composition that produces the best results. While ceramic-coated zinc screws are less rust-resistant, they come at a lower price than stainless steel.
Contact All Points Fasteners for Your Fastener Needs
For screws that don’t rust, come to All Points Fasteners, Inc. We have everything you need for your work in HVAC, roofing, construction or other jobs that need quality parts. If you do not see what you need, we will find it for you, even if it is uncommon. The team at All Points wants to make sure you get what you need quickly to get the job done.
Contact us today to discuss your fastener needs. Request a quote on our website or give us a call at 800-483-6354.