316 Stainless Bolts

[mdbee]

" In Type 316 stainless, the chromium content is lowered from 18% to 16%, however, the nickel content is raised to 10% and 2% molybdenum is added to the mixture. This change in the chromium/nickel ratio and the addition of the molybdenum increases the resistance to chlorides. This is why Type 316 stainless is often used in more corrosive environments where the material will be exposed to chemical, solvent, or salt water corrosion and makes it the preferred material for marine construction."

http://www.portlandbolt.com/faqs/18-...tainless-steel

[CapnBones]

fastenal.com If you can't find what you want on the site just call a local store, or if none are local just whichever sounds nice and they can find it.

[k8edidski]

parts at online at sailboatjunkyard.com

[casey1999]

Originally Posted by Cruiser2B

I have been upgrading and replacing all mast and chainplate hardware with 316 ss. I have been buying from B&S Bolt in Norfolk, Va. They have a very very wide selection. I believe they supply many military and local shipyards in the area. The great thing is they will sell it by individual piece. One other thing to remember is quatilty. Everything they carry is mil-spec. They warned me about buying fasteners from other "chain" places as you will not get the same grade quality( check with a magnet). They are resonably priced too. i have purchased(all 316) 30-7/16"x2 1/2" bolts, washers and nylon lock nuts, 100 ss 3/16 rivets, 2 -1/2"X5" bolts with washers and nylon locking nuts and few other misc pieces for my mast step. all of it was around $110. with tax.

One word of caution, you probably know, lubricate the threads...I am using tef-gel.

yes i could have used 304 or 18/8 for about 25-30% less but i figured why not. I did not want to take a chance. especially if i have to remove the corroded hardware in 10-15 years, i would be cursing myself for being cheap!

Great, that is what I was looking for. Good they sell small quantities- don't really need a box of 100 of some items. Like you, I like to do things once and correct the first time.
Regards

[fryewe]

Go to the McMaster-Carr website and browse their fasteners. I have found no better selection or service. If they don't have 316SS in the size you need, you can always check out the bronze fasteners.

Or you can use 18-8 and inspect or replace them as needed.

[mdbee]

I am about to buy quite a few fasteners from Fastenal. I was going to go with 316 but the salesman said they don't sell many because they are 3x the cost. I am reconsidering my options, especially in view of MainSail's comment.

[fallard]

Casey1999:

Jamestown Distributors (wwww.jamestowndistributors.com) carries 316 SS bolts, washers, nuts, and a lot of other, hard-to-find hardware.

I replaced a 1 1/2" diameter 304 SS keel pin about 10 years ago, when I started getting water weeping past the seals due to pitting corrosion. We used 316 SS for this below-the-waterline application and haven't had any more problems. Unfortunately, this was not a catalog item and had to be custom machined.

Agree with some other folks that you might be overthinking this unless you have a specific requirement for 316 SS.