Topic: Quick stainless fastener question

[greenjeans]

I have some stainless fasteners that I want to use on my latest.  It's going to be a shiney one.

Some of the fasteners have grade marks on the head of the bolt.   Can those be filed or ground off and then polished ?  Or would that lead to rust ?

[MCRider]

JWAG: Stainless is not a coating but a through and through condition of the metal. They stir chromium in with the molten steel I think. So grinding some off shouldn't expose anything to rust more than the original surface. There are different qualities of stainless, all susceptible to rust at some point, less as you approach "surgical stainless".

OCICBW

[greenjeans]

Well, hopefully this thing won't see much of the elements, so hopefully rust won't be much of an issue.   I was worried whether the heat from grinding
would do anything to the bolts - discoloring etc.    I'll probably end up filing them first so there is a bit more control before polishing.

Just wanted to make sure before I order a pile of fasteners.

[70CB750]

JWAG: Stainless is not a coating but a through and through condition of the metal. They stir chromium in with the molten steel I think. So grinding some off shouldn't expose anything to rust more than the original surface. There are different qualities of stainless, all susceptible to rust at some point, less as you approach "surgical stainless".

OCICBW

What he says, Cr as Chromium is the most often used metal to make SS - but even SS rusts to some extent.

Rust is also more likely to develop at places with inner tension - caused by heat from the grinding or bending and such; that said you may make your fastener smooth only to created a starting point for rust.

If I wanted to keep bolts nice and shiny, I would probably live with bolt head marks.

[martin99]

Most stainless fasteners  - at least over here - are A2 grade. Now I don't profess to know what that means, I'm no metallurgist

But - I've used plenty of them, filed the heads smooth and mirror polished. Still looking good, seven years later. Nice clean look. Go for it!

[lucky]

JWAG: Stainless is not a coating but a through and through condition of the metal. They stir chromium in with the molten steel I think. So grinding some off shouldn't expose anything to rust more than the original surface. There are different qualities of stainless, all susceptible to rust at some point, less as you approach "surgical stainless".

OCICBW

Stainless steel is a mixture of things but it has a high nickel content in addition to chrome.
The most common grades are 304 and 316.
316 is used on marine applications because it has a higher molybdinum content and is more corrosion resistant.

When bolts and screws are formed they can become slightly more magnetic from the forming process.

If you want to sand the head of the screws or bolts that is easy to do.
Just use a fine grid sanding pad. It is very common.