Good hardware resources

I've had to order some bolts and other fasteners recently. Then today I had to research fastener selections at work. Here are some basics*I learned.

The most common SS fasteners are broadly classified as 18-8 (18% chromium, 8% nickel) which usually means 304 SS. These are good for fresh water and less challenging (interior)*marine use. These are probably the handrail fasteners that generate rust streaks.* www.boltdepot.com is a good online source for these. This is what you'll get at WM and the big box stores.

The next upgrade is 316 SS which has a little less chromium but with the addition of 2-3% Molybdenum is more corrosion resistant in a marine environment. They are more expensive but applications like anchor roller bolts should probably be 316 SS.

www.Fastenal.com is a good online source for higher grade and specialty fasteners. They also have a lot of local stores since they supply construction and manufacturing industries but don't have weekend access like WM or the big box home supplies. They also seem to have good prices on other supplies such as 5/16 HT chain at 3.03 per foot.

Here are two references on SS materials:

http://www.ssina.com/download_a_file/fasteners.pdf

http://www.ssina.com/download_a_file/designguidelines.pdf


-- Edited by GarryP on Thursday 4th of August 2011 06:10:57 AM

Thanks Garry, very informative.

McMaster-Carr is also a great source for all types of fasteners and other useful items.

Garry,

I've been looking for 2 special socket head bolts in SS for my new stern cleat. Need detail dimensions to fit it to the cleat so your reference will probably help. I always enjoy browsing such places. On BoatDesign.net the 2nd biggest benefit there is to surf the links that are posted. One can go to wonderful or strange and exotic places. I like the VERY international links. Boat design and construction happening all over the world. Computers can be wonderful. Thanks Garry.

One place I buy a lot of my stainless stuff is

http://bosunsupplies.com/

Their quality is really good PLUS they supply fasteners with their hardware.

Check prices vs value*though, as they are not always the lowest cost.

*