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Q&As since 1989


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Anodized aluminum and road salt

How can one prevent corrosion on an anodized aluminum product if it is in and around the elements of winter road salts? I have a threaded part that is sealing to the point of non-removal when under these conditions? Any help would be much appreciated!

Ben Erickson
automotive - Mpls, Minnesota, USA
March 28, 2009

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Hi, Ben. I detest threaded aluminum parts because it galls. I have spent hours hacksawing aluminum hose fittings off of faucets, trying not to destroy the threads on the tap. Just last week one of those fancy globe lightbulbs spontaneously broke and it took me most of an hour working overhead on a ladder to work the lamp base out of the socket. Nonetheless, there are dry film lubes that will help in your situation. Look up dry film lube on this site or elsewhere. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 3, 2009

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Put something on the threads before you assemble. Dry film, as Ted says, Vaseline, anti seize compound, candle wax, axle grease, motor oil, whatever you have that provides some lubricity and won't wash away.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
April 3, 2009

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There are also cans of anti-seize [on eBay or Amazon] for aluminum sold.
A bit harder to find are spray cans of dry film lube for aluminum that are air dry and do not require a bake. Search the internet for it. There are at least two companies in the USA that make it.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
April 4, 2009