No matter what task you have ahead, the right materials are going to make or break it. In the case of the nails you choose, this could be quite literal! No matter if you're building a deck behind your home or a tool shed for your marina, special attention is crucial. Pay close attention to the nails you use to ensure everything holds together.
What are the Benefits of Choosing Stainless Steel Nails?
Adding chromium to molten steel along with a few other chemical compositions makes stainless steel. It is unusually strong and resistant to rusting caused by contact with water, even salt water. There are several benefits to choosing stainless steel nails. Stainless steel nails will hold up in harsh corrosive environments. As well, they will last longer than other options. Stainless steel nails are resistant to extreme cold and hot temperatures. While stainless steel nails may cost a little bit more to buy, they have lasting value. Because they will last longer than other options, it makes them more affordable over the long-term.
Do Stainless Steel Nails Rust?
While not all stainless steel is created equal, manufacturers know stainless steel nails for their corrosion resistance. Specifically, 304 stainless steel nails, when exposed to salty water, are more likely to rust over time. Salt accelerates the rusting process, especially if the steel is of lower grade like 304.
The other option, 316 stainless steel, is considered more corrosion-resistant in harsh environments, including salty water. This makes it the better choice for coastal areas or marine applications where saltwater will expose the nails.
While 304 stainless steel nails are more affordable, they may not provide the long-lasting performance needed in corrosive environments. Investing in 316 stainless steel nails may be the better choice for ensuring durability in harsh conditions. They are ideal if you're working on a project near the ocean or in areas with high salt exposure, as they minimize rust.
What are Galvanized Nails?
Galvanized nails are the most commonly used nails. They are covered with a zinc coating as a protective barrier to avoid rust and corrosion. This is actually how they get their name, from a process they undergo called galvanization. This process is used to make nuts, bolts, screws, and nails resistant to degradation when they are exposed to the weather. The zinc corrodes first, sparing the steel. Eventually, even galvanized nails rust, but the process takes much longer. Galvanized nails are used mainly in construction, specifically roofing.
Are Stainless Steel Nails Better Than Galvanized?
The answer to this depends on several factors. In general, galvanized steel is more ductile, and easier to work than stainless steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel. You see, they both have their benefits.
Galvanized steel is about the same price as untreated structural steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, costs quite a bit more than galvanized steel and untreated structural steel. As briefly stated above, shopping for fasteners by price alone is risky. In harsh environments where nails may corrode, the added cost of stainless steel proves worthwhile over time.
Order Your Nails Online From Fastener USA
As industry experts, we are always here for you to reach out to us and ask us questions. Customers just like you often want to know which is better, galvanized steel or stainless steel? Which is more expensive? Which holds up better against the elements? The simple fact is that neither kind of nail is always the better choice in every situation. It all depends on your exact project!