<VV> Bolt Grades

[John Kepler]

Most SS bolts are Grade 4. 

 

Impossible!  An SAE fastener specification includes the MATERIAL to be
used
and “SS” ain’t it!  It may be advertised as an SAE equivalent
strength
.but that means about as much as a “guarantee” on your Ronco
Pocket-Fisherman!

 

However, SS isn't much like steel at all,

 

And just WHAT “SS” are you talking about?  416R, 316, 316L, 304, 347,  shiny
Chinese “Mystery Metal”
what?  There are THOUSANDS of alloys classed as
“Stainless Steel”, some of them may be suitable for fasteners
.most aren’t!
There ARE mil-spec 304, 316 and 316L fasteners
.they work and are close to
an SAE Grade 8
..they also cost several bucks a pop in something as small as
a ¼-20!  They are NOT what you find in a “bubble pack” at Lowe’s!

 

 it galls, it has far lower fatigue strength, etc., so, grade number, which
just states tensile strength, doesn't even come close to telling the whole
story!

 

As in most of life
.the Devil is in the details!  If you are talking about
the Chinese “Mystery Metal” fasteners you’ll find at Lowe’s or Homer’s
Depot
then you are probably correct.  If you are talking about a mil-spec
316 fastener, you aren’t!

 

John