As nuts, bolts, and screws are used to securely fasten multiple parts together, you expect them to exhibit strength, rigidity, and durability. Even with these qualities, fasteners aren’t known for their invincibility. They are susceptible to damage from rust and corrosion, thus shrinking their lifespan considerably. Similar to a machine, these fasteners also need good care and maintenance.
Fortunately, maintaining them is simple if you follow the tips we are about to share with you in this article. So without much further ado, let’s look at 10 effective tips to maintain fasteners and extend their longevity in the process.
1. Keep a Consistent Cleaning Schedule
You can easily extend the life of your fasteners by cleaning them regularly. Remove any dust or debris you find on the screw or bolt. Follow proper moisture management to avoid the risk of rusting.
2. Regular Lubrication
A major risk that most stainless steel fasteners with large threads and nyloc nuts encounter is the problem of galling. Galling usually occurs when threads end up locked. This issue can be avoided by lubricating the fasteners regularly.
3. Reduce friction with other metal
Different types of metal coming into contact with each other can trigger a corrosive reaction. Wet stainless steel fasteners are extremely susceptible to galvanic corrosion. You can prevent this from happening by using rubber or nylon to keep the metals from contacting each other.
4. Using appropriate tools
Certain work tools can harm your fasteners, even contaminating or corroding them. So make sure you use tools made from the right material. For instance, go for screwdrivers made from chrome vanadium steel, hammers made of chrome-plated or stainless steel, and choose cutting wheels that do not contain any carbon or iron composition.
5. Cover your fasteners
When not in use, you need to keep the fasteners in contamination-free environments. It is recommended to cover your fasteners in plastic to avoid impurities from contaminating them, especially at work sites.
6. Exposing stainless steel to rainwater
Most metals can corrode when they are exposed to water unless they are stainless steel. Stainless steel is impervious to corrosion because of its protective chromium oxide layer. Rainwater can ensure this protective layer is intact by washing away any impurities on its surface.
7. Selecting the right fastener
We recommend using fasteners that have a smoother finish as they are less likely to corrode. Electro-polished stainless steel fasteners are the best option. Avoid rough steel fasteners as their rough surface can trap debris.
8. Choose the right grade of stainless steel
The ideal grade of stainless steel is a great way to extend the life of your fasteners. There are several grades of stainless steel available. We recommend using grade 316 if you are using fasteners in more humid areas. On the other hand, grade 304 fasteners will be perfect for general application.
9. Coating
Coatings can not only prolong the life of your fastener but also improve its performance. You have a number of options at your disposal when it comes to coatings. By far the most cost-effective of them is galvanization. You can try zinc alloy as well or opt for multi-layered zinc flakes coating for greater protection.
10. Choose the Right Fasteners Manufacturers
The overall quality of a fastener will also depend on the nut, bolt manufacturers you choose to buy them from. We recommend going with genuine products from reputable suppliers in the industry. Kant Fasteners is one such company that harbors a massive catalog of premium quality nuts, bolts, and screws for a wide range of applications.
You can explore our site today to learn more.