Zinc Plated Nuts on Copper Plated Studs: Bad Match

Summary for zinc plated nuts on copper plated studs Discussion

zinc plated nuts on copper plated studs are a poor galvanic match, according to Ted Mooney, because copper and zinc are among the least compatible common metals. He compares the pair to the classic "lemon battery" example, where copper and zinc create a large galvanic difference. Victor Li asked whether hot dip galvanized or zinc plated steel nuts and washers could be used on copper plated steel welding studs. Mooney said he did not know enough about the stud-welding application to judge the need for copper plating, but suggested that nickel plated, nickel-chrome plated, or electroless nickel plated nuts and washers would largely eliminate the galvanic differential. The practical takeaway is that zinc or galvanized hardware on copper plated studs is not the preferred combination if corrosion compatibility matters.