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Strip Hot Dipped Galvanized Bolts

I have used your website for many occasions however I was wondering if you could tell me if I can strip a hot dipped galvanized part we have a 3/8-16 X 7" Hex Head Machine Bolt Gr # Hot Dipped Galvanized we need to take that off and replate it something else (most likely zinc), or even plain, is that possible? I was told it might crack the threads.

Jill Rozhon
Sales - Elk Grove Village, Illinois, USA
July 7, 2011

Hi, Jill.

My understanding is that the dimensions on external threads are not altered to allow for galvanizing, so you should have a regularly sized bolt after this operation. You'll need new nuts. If they are going into a tapped hole, that's another problem :-(

I believe that you can probably successfully strip the galvanizing in inhibited hydrochloric acid, bake it for hydrogen embrittlement relief, and use it. But this is not based on actually having done it :-)

Hopefully someone who has will comment.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 7, 2011