Protecting fasteners from corrosion is crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of projects for automotive maintenance or industrial applications.
In the following article, Zygology explores ways to preserve fasteners and help users save time and money.
A better understanding
Firstly, it is important to understand what causes fasteners to deteriorate. Nuts, bolts and screws are subject rust when they are exposed to oxygen, moisture and corrosive environments.
This exposure causes oxidation, which leads to rust and weakens the fasteners. The rate of deterioration varies for different materials. For instance, steel fasteners tend to rust faster than stainless steel of galvanised ones.
Users that understand the contributing factors that lead to deterioration can choose the right materials to extend the lifespan of fasteners and ensure their projects are safe.
Coating options
One way to combat corrosion is to apply coatings to fasteners such as zinc plating, epoxy and powder coating.
Zinc plating creates a protective barrier against moisture and air, preventing rust from forming. Epoxy coatings offer strong protection against harsh environments while powder coating involves applying a dry powder that forms a protective layer when heated.
Materials that resist rust
To help tackle corrosion, users should select materials that naturally resist rust such as galvanised steel, stainless steel and brass.
Galvanised steel fasteners also have a protective zinc coating that shields them from rust. Stainless steel is suitable for most environments as it resists oxidation while brass fasteners offer corrosion resistance in wet conditions.
Selecting the most suitable fastener material for a specific application will help ensure that the fastener lasts longer.
Environmental factors
It is also important to consider the environment in which fasteners will be used. This is because fasteners exposed to harsh conditions such as high humidity, chemicals or saltwater are more likely to corrode faster.
For industrial settings with chemical exposure, users should seek specialised coatings or materials designed to withstand corrosive substances. In marine or coastal environments, it is better to select materials with high resistance to salt, such as stainless steel.
Making regular checks
Another way to protect fasteners from corrosion is to carry out regular maintenance and inspections. This process includes checking fasteners periodically for wear, rust or damage.
It is important to clean the fasteners to remove moisture, grime or dirt that can contribute to corrosion. Also, those carrying out these checks should tighten any loose fasteners to avoid stress and potential rust spots. They can also address corrosion by cleaning, re-coating or replacing the affected fasteners.
