For several years the debate on which is the best marine-grade fasteners has been going on, particularly when you want to use them for any coastal construction. Naturally, in any such debates, there are proponents of both sides, who were advocating for their preferred material for fasteners and also back it up with various reasons for their choice.
However, most people favor stainless steel when they buy marine-grade fasteners because they offer many benefits that are much above the all-other alternatives that are available on the market.
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However, there are a few Convincing Reasons to Favor Plastic Fasteners as well such as:
- Plastic marine fasteners will never corrode in water
- Some plastics can also be UV resistant
- Plastic marine fasteners can also be combined with a few other materials
- Plastic marine fasteners also need less maintenance
A few Reasons Why Stainless Steel is Still Preferred are Because of the Following Reasons:
1. No Corrosion
Corrosion typically occurs when steel comes in contact with water. This is not the case, though, with marine fasteners made of stainless steel because of their excellent corrosion resistance, which makes them a superb option for marine building.
2. Easy to Install
Marine fasteners can be quite simple to install, but depending on how they are made, installation may call for specialized equipment or methods.
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Fasteners made of metal and stainless steel have existed for a very long period. Therefore, the majority of people have experience installing them.
It is crucial to remember that stainless steel does provide certain difficulties. The biggest possible issue is galling.
Galling also referred to as “cold welding,” happens when the threads of any bolt adhere to the threads of either a nut or hole. The bolt typically needs to be cut in order to be removed.
However, there are a variety of techniques to prevent this, so stainless steel is still an excellent option with the appropriate strategy for marine applications.
3. Can be Welded
Fasteners made of stainless steel can also be welded to a variety of surfaces. Even so, the fasteners may still be visible after they have been welded. With maritime fasteners made of plastic, you cannot just do that.
4. Remarkably Resilient
Stainless steel marine fasteners can be utilized with materials that are typically difficult to hold together since they are significantly stronger than their plastic counterparts. When employing steel fasteners for any kind of coastal building, their stiffness will offer you complete peace of mind.
Choosing the right Fastener is Important
It is critical to select the appropriate maritime fastener for the job, whether you go for plastic or stainless steel. When it comes to stainless steel, you must take into account the grade of stainless steel in addition to the size or kind of fastener.
The ideal material to choose is frequently 316 stainless steel as corrosion is such a critical factor. Depending on the type of marine environment you will be operating in, alternative grades of stainless steel might be suggested.
