Stainless steel bolts are prone to galling, a phenomenon where the threads seize due to friction between the mating surfaces. This occurs because stainless steel, being a soft alloy, forms a surface oxide layer that shears and cold-welds during tightening. As tightening continues, the weld strengthens, causing the bolt to seize and potentially damage the threads. Factors that increase the likelihood of seizing include:
- High tightening speeds.
- Lack of lubrication.
- Thread misalignment.