>I remember buying the most corrosive resistant
>stainless and after overnight in a shallow salt water puddle, where it
>was partly exposed to air and the rolling motion of the ship I was on,
>it developed a coating of rust overnight.
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Stainless steel is a 'generic' classification for rust resistant carbon
steel or iron alloy with a varying degree of chromium originally applied to
cutlery. The type of steel will determine the corrosion resistance. The
400 series SS, while being a tougher steel WILL readily rust (and is also
used in outboard drives). 300 series will not, but is much "softer". Most
quality stainless nuts and bolts, unless specified, will be of the 400
series because of its higher tensile strength. If you truly want non
rusting fasteners, but don't need a lot of tensile strength (any critical
application) use marine grade nuts and bolts/screws, available at any boat
supply outfit. These are made of Monel, a steel with a high nickel
content. Not nearly as strong as either SS, or carbon steel, but they look
great, and will not rust, even if exposed to salt spray-
Barry Schwartz (San Diego) bschwart@pacbell.net
72 V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70 GT6+ (when I don't drive the Spit)
70 Spitfire
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