Marine Grade Fasteners

Marine-grade fasteners are used in a variety of applications where corrosion resistance is important, such as boats, ships, oil rigs, and platforms. These fasteners must be able to perform under demanding conditions, with constant exposure to water, salt, and other corrosive elements. Among the variety of materials used for fasteners, stainless steel stands out as the preferred choice because of its superior rust and corrosion resistance. We'll look at different types of grades of fasteners, their properties and which is the best for marine and aquatic environments.

There are many different grades of stainless steel, each with its properties and performance characteristics. Common grades include 18-8, 305, and 316 stainless steel.

• 18-8 Stainless Steel: This is a very common grade and is known for its good corrosion resistance and its strength. It is commonly used in all-purpose applications.
• 305 stainless steel: Similar to 18-8 but is more corrosion resistant and has a higher nickel content.
• 316 Stainless Steel: This grade of stainless steel stands out from the rest. 316 stainless steel has a high-level of corrosion resistance with its increased levels of nickel and the addition of Molybdenum. For applications with a very high risk of corrosion, such as in seawater, the 316 series is an excellent choice.

When it comes to screws, there are options for use in marine applications.

• Stainless steel wood screws: Are great for use in wood decks, offering an excellent balance between corrosion resistance and strength. They are designed for connecting wood-to-wood and usually require pre-drilled holes.
• Stainless steel sheet metal screws: These are specifically designed to fasten into thinner metals. Also known as tapping or self-tapping screws, with sharp threads and blunt points, they can be used in other materials such as sheet metal, plastic, or wood easily.

Stainless steel nuts are as varied as screws. Common types of stainless-steel nuts used in marine applications include:

• Flange nuts: These have a wide flange at one end, which helps distribute the load evenly over the surface of the fastened material.
• Hex nuts: This type of nut is the most common. It has a hexagonal shape that fits into a socket wrench. It is highly durable and reliable.
• Jam nuts: These nuts lock or "jam" other nuts in place. A serrated surface delivers gription where you need it.
• Wing nuts: Its wing-shaped handle makes for ease of use when hand tightening or loosening.

Common types of stainless-steel bolts used for marine applications include hex, lag, and tap, each serving a unique purpose.

• Hex bolts: With their hexagonal head that fits into a socket wrench, these bolts can be used in bridge construction and highway and building projects. These deliver a non-loosening hold.
• Lag bolts: These bolts have a long shank used to fasten heavy objects to other materials. These are considered some of the toughest fasteners and are extremely high-performing.
• Tap bolts: These bolts are fully threaded with a pointed end and are often used in drilled tapped holes.

Washers help distribute the load of a fastener and prevent damage to the surface that is being fastened.

Some of the most common types of stainless-steel washers used for marine and aquatic applications include:

• Flat washers: These have a flat surface for the nut or bolt to tighten against.
• Lock washers: Unlike the flat washer, lock washers have a serrated surface that will grip the materials that is being fastened. This will prevent the bolt from loosening.

Cylindrical rods These stainless-steel dowel pins are used to join or align two or more components. Corrosion resistance makes them perfect for the rigors of marine environments. They provide high strength and excellent alignment, making them suitable for many industrial applications.

Stainless steel dowel pins are used to align holes in two pieces of material. They are made from a strong, durable material that can withstand the rigors of marine environments.

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While we've covered many types of stainless steel fasteners, it's essential to note that this list is not exhaustive. ASMC offers many more fasteners than those mentioned above. Browse ASMC Industrial's wide selection of marine-grade fasteners.

If you need any assistance selecting a suitable fastener for your application or if you're looking for a specific type, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is ready to assist you in any way we can.