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Stainless steel vs hot dipped galvanized zinc plated lag bolts

We had new powder-coated aluminum balcony railings with glass inserts installed in our BEACH condo building. The mfgr. sent 7" stainless steel lag bolts but they were too long so they were returned and replaced with 4" hot dipped galvanized zinc plated lag bolts. I objected to this change in metal but they just gave me a letter from the mfgr. stating that either bolt meets the standards of the mfg and "will achieve the added protection from the corrosive elements over time." Should I keep insisting on having them changed out with Stainless Steel lag bolts? Also will either metal react with the aluminum railings over time?

Nancy Parinello
consumer - San Diego, California, USA
2005

The difference is the galvanized will form a white corrosion and the stainless will form a red corrosion. I would go with the galvanized , find a suitable primer [Galvanize Primer ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] [affil link]] and a compatible top coat paint. Paint after installed.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2005

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