I beat all the rivets out of my frame. I heard that stainless steel bolts are as strong as grade 8. Is this true? I would like to put in stainless but if im going to compromise strength over looks, Ill stay with grade 8.

 

Here's a little info on s/s:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel

http://totallystainless.net/totally.html

(click on "ABOUT STAINLESS STEEL") on the second link.

Personally, I like the idea of bolts because you can dis-assemble much easier than with rivets.

 

Like other steel, stainless comes in various grades.

 

i like the bolts, and i think that the grade 8 is stronger and less prone to stripping out than other metals. plus the grade 8 finish looks purdy too!

 

The problem with stainless is that it work hardens and cracks like aluminum, so I wouldn't use it in a shear-load situation like in the frame. A grade 8 would be a good choice, but if you paint it, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

 

When replacing frame rivets with bolts, you want an exact fit. In my opinion, this is just as important as the type of bolt you use.
Any slack at all between the hole and the bolt will eventually cause the bolt or hole to wear as the frame flexes.

One of the reasons they dont use bolts in frames at the factory is that the bolt holes would need to be reamed to fairly tight tolerances. Rivets expand to make a tight fit as they are peened into place. Thats why you have to beat them out.

 

What would be the equivelent to grade 8?

 

Go back to Sierraben's post and click on the totallystainless link. They have all the info you need and sell the products too. Check it out.

 

They're classified the same as non-stainless bolts and nuts. The totallystainless website sells up to grade 8 and class 10.9 stainless nuts and bolts.

 

Click on the "about your safety".

Personally, I would just go with Grade 8 and be done with it. As someone else pointed out, exact fit counts.

 

Yeah, I think im gonna stay with grade 8. Stainless is too expensive.

 

Stainless steel is strong and has good wear factors, but tends to be soft and is not as hard as a rivet or grade 8 bolt. What ever you use to replace rivets, they need to be pressed in or driven in, so as to prevent any slack in the holes they are fitted in. Loose bolts will work loose and cause a wobbling.

 

Stainless can be had in any hardness you want. But you are correct: the fit is the important thing. Rivets are not as hard as grade 8.

 

It all depends on what grade stainless steel, and the quality of the grade 8 bolts. I've seen "alleged" grade 8 bolts that couldn't hold a book shelf.

Some stainless grades are VERY tough. They're also impossible to machine or cut at all without exotic tools.

 

Yeah, you're comparing apples to oranges. Grade 8 is a strength specification, while "stainless" is an alloy type, of which there are many different specifications.