Reassembling Joey's Truck
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Breckenridge, Minn.
Reassembling Joey's Truck
It has been some time since I started the project of restoring our son's pick-up but it is time to start putting it back together. I would like to know the pros and cons of using stainless steel fasteners. After working hard to get rid of rust I don't want to have the bolts and hardware be the source of rust in the future. While working with stainless hardware with what I do for a living I know that it is harder than the bolts used to assemble the truck but harder doesn't always mean stronger in certain applications. I'm conserned about any possible torquing applications. Your input is appreciated.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
I am using SS fasteners (primarily allen button head and nylock nuts) for all non-safety critical locations on my truck. You can get special extra strength SS fasteners, but they are costly. SS in contact with mild steel will not cause galvanic corrosion, the metals are not dissimilar enough. Not all "SS" is rustproof however, if it sticks to a magnet it can rust.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Olive Branch,Ms
Try not to use the stainless bolts till the final boltup. Stainless bolts are notorious about having the treads stretch if reused a few times. This can cause the nut to lock on the bolt and about the only way of getting it off is to snap it or cut it off.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
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From: Poway, Ca.
I have used nothing but stainless steel on every application I have rebuilt on my truck and there have been no problems with corrosion, threading or strength.
Like you I have cut off enough rusted steel bolts and nuts to cure me of them. I highly recommend the stainless steel - despite the expense!
Like you I have cut off enough rusted steel bolts and nuts to cure me of them. I highly recommend the stainless steel - despite the expense!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 184
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From: Oconomowoc, WI
SS bolts
T have been fabricating SS structures for several years (20+) In that time I have had to snap several (100's) of bolts off due to gauling of the threads. The SS is soft and will sieze up if there is the slightest amount of dirt in the thread when you start to tighten it . Anti sieze is a must. Also, do not try to use a high speed impact as the heat generated will sometimes cause the threads to sieze. That being said, Julie is right on use them every where. I think you should not use SS fasteners on brake or driveline applications other than brake lines.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Breckenridge, Minn.
When having used the SS fasteners on aircraft in the past the dimention of the SS is a little heavier than the original steel hardware thus it was more difficult to run the screws in. Anti seize is a good idea and will be cheaper than breaking bolts and screws off. Yes I need to get pictures taken on the build and keep you all posted. I am not too addept at the computer but will overcome the ignorance and get my gallery up and let all know how it is going. It has been some time since I started this project and would like to see it progress now. It all started when my wife, who dislikes my 86 F-150 because of its height, told me that if I fixed up Joey's pick-up she would be willing to drive it from time to time. You don't have to say any more. Thanks for your feedback.
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Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
Don't forget, there are over 85 different alloys of "stainless steel." Some use Nickel, some us Chromium. Some are electrostatically active (which means they will hold a magnet and corrode). Some are significantly softer than others.
So, good rule of thumb with stainless steel fasteners (as well as other parts) is to make sure they are from a quality manufacturer or distributor. Cheaper usually means lower quality (but more expensive doesn't necessarily always mean better either).
So, good rule of thumb with stainless steel fasteners (as well as other parts) is to make sure they are from a quality manufacturer or distributor. Cheaper usually means lower quality (but more expensive doesn't necessarily always mean better either).
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
I should clarify: When I said I would not use them in safety critical locations I was refering to places that put a lot of strain on the fastener, where a grade 8 bolt would be the normal choice. A typical SS fastener is only a little stronger than a grade 2 (common steel bolt) and not as strong as a grade 5 hardened bolt.
Bolt Depot - Bolt Grade Markings and Strength Chart
SS bolts seizing or galling "all by themselves" therefore requiring the use of antiseize is an old wives tale. The common causes of galling or seizing is using a fastener with dirty threads or overtightening. SS cannot withstand the tightening torque of a hardened steel bolt without thread damage. For example, the max torque of a 5/16-18 SS bolt and nut (common size on our trucks) is only 11 ft# ! That's why I use nyloc nuts so I do not have to overtighten.
Bolt Depot - Bolt Grade Markings and Strength Chart
SS bolts seizing or galling "all by themselves" therefore requiring the use of antiseize is an old wives tale. The common causes of galling or seizing is using a fastener with dirty threads or overtightening. SS cannot withstand the tightening torque of a hardened steel bolt without thread damage. For example, the max torque of a 5/16-18 SS bolt and nut (common size on our trucks) is only 11 ft# ! That's why I use nyloc nuts so I do not have to overtighten.
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