Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Stainless steel bolts vs MS bolts

I am using MS bolts in marine environment on galvanized as well as ms pipe flanges, but the problem is that these ms bolts will jam soon after and removal is always by cutting these bolts due excessive sea water corrosion. What are the cost to benefit ratio of using stainless steel bolts and would they take torque as much as ms bolts do.

Mazhar hattar
Hattar & Co - Pakistan
2005

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If you want quality, you have to pay for it; if you want cheap throw-away items that don't last a blink, then you get those almost free. It depends on the market you want to penetrate and the reputation you want to engender. If you are happy to sell ms bolts and change them and repair any damage free of charge every time your customer has a problems, so be it. I suspect you won't be in business very long though! Don't make the big mistake of thinking high price buys good quality - people may be able to sell junk at very high prices, but it still remains junk and very soon the scam will be found out. I would suggest you could try cadmium coated bolts.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2005