OT Good Source for Stainless Fasteners and

[Gary Peterson]

Stainless hardware is commonly used on FM broadcast antennas.  Stainless is a bit on the gummy side.  When tightened, the threads tend to distort and this can make future disassembly a challenge.  Tower crews frequently end up twisting off nuts or bolt heads when replacing damaged elements.  If you are going to use stainless hardware, I suggest applying anti-seize lubricant, available at auto supply stores, to reduce seizing and galling.  I also suggest never reusing stainless hardware.  Replace with new.

Gary, K0CX


“When using stainless hardware there is very little strength compared to a steel fastener.  

So the minimum strength needs to be confirmed.      You don't want the bolts to shear and topple over.    

Please be careful to get the right grade bolts.  You will not get what you need at a hardware store or a tractor supply.

KD8NNU”
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[len]

+1 on this, though the process is "galling"  

Galling is one the most common problems when tightening fasteners. Also known as cold welding, galling results in damaged threads, broken fasteners, weakened joints and seized bolts.
What causes galling?

Essentially, galling is a form of severe adhesive wear.

Galling happens during installation to fasteners made of alloys such as stainless steel, aluminum and titanium. While the fastener is being tightened, pressure builds between the thread surfaces and breaks down the protective oxide coatings. Without the oxide coating, the thread’s metal high points are exposed to each other. This, in turn, creates friction, which causes heat that seizes the metal.
When galling happens

If the galling is minor, slight damage may occur to the thread surface. In that case, the installer may be able to remove the fastener. On the other end, severe cases of galling can weld the nut and bolt together and there is no way to remove the fastener. If the fastener is tightened once galling begins, the fastener may even be twisted off or see its threads stripped.


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Gary Peterson
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2020 5:57 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] OT Good Source for Stainless Fasteners and

Stainless hardware is commonly used on FM broadcast antennas.  Stainless is a bit on the gummy side.  When tightened, the threads tend to distort and this can make future disassembly a challenge.  Tower crews frequently end up twisting off nuts or bolt heads when replacing damaged elements.  If you are going to use stainless hardware, I suggest applying anti-seize lubricant, available at auto supply stores, to reduce seizing and galling.  I also suggest never reusing stainless hardware.  Replace with new.

Gary, K0CX


“When using stainless hardware there is very little strength compared to a steel fastener.  

So the minimum strength needs to be confirmed.      You don't want the bolts to shear and topple over.    

Please be careful to get the right grade bolts.  You will not get what you need at a hardware store or a tractor supply.

KD8NNU”
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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [hidden email]


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