It is no doubt that stainless steel screws are the best when it comes to holding together materials such as aluminum sheets so that when faced with a variety of elements they do not break open. However, the dissimilar nature of these two metals puts them at risk of getting corroded resulting in their destruction altogether. At Marsh Fasteners , we believe that the steel screws can be used with aluminum but some precautions must be taken if they are to work well together.
Tips to consider when using stainless screws on aluminum
- Do not expose to water
Salty water is an electrolyte that can easily corrode either the aluminum or stainless steel material when they come into contact with each other. Therefore, it is important to always separate the two metals as soon as possible especially if the environment has salty water or anything close to it.
- Create barriers
To reduce chances of the metals getting corroded reduce the contact the two metals have by creating a non-reactive barrier. The best barrier material is plastic washers which ensure that the metals are sealed at their point of contact. Also, to reduce their contact with water, connecting points can be protected using tape or even paint depending on your preference.
- Check the surface area of metals
Always ensure that the aluminum part of the material is larger than the stainless steel screws to avoid it being eaten away. Aluminum which has an anodic nature will quickly disintegrate when it comes into contact with salty water, and will do the same when its surface area is less than that of stainless steel.
Other products that Marsh Fasteners supplies to clients that work in the construction field all over the world include stainless steel threaded rod, Stainless steel nuts, marine fasteners and stainless steel bolts among others. We work with a wide range of manufacturer suppliers to ensure that you get high quality products that are delivered within the stipulated delivery time.
For more information on the best stainless steel screws to buy and use on aluminum metals, contact us by filling out our online form or sending us an e-mail today!
