Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Stainless steel vs hot dipped galvanized zinc plated lag bolts

We had new powder-coated aluminum balcony railings with glass inserts installed in our BEACH condo building. The mfgr. sent 7" stainless steel lag bolts but they were too long so they were returned and replaced with 4" hot dipped galvanized zinc plated lag bolts. I objected to this change in metal but they just gave me a letter from the mfgr. stating that either bolt meets the standards of the mfg and "will achieve the added protection from the corrosive elements over time." Should I keep insisting on having them changed out with Stainless Steel lag bolts? Also will either metal react with the aluminum railings over time?

Nancy Parinello
consumer - San Diego, California, USA
2005

The difference is the galvanized will form a white corrosion and the stainless will form a red corrosion. I would go with the galvanized , find a suitable primer [Galvanize Primer ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] [affil links]] and a compatible top coat paint. Paint after installed.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2005

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: