If you’ve used stainless steel fasteners in a project, you may have experienced inter-thread locking. This is when two or more threads become stuck in an attempt to fasten them together. It can be extremely difficult to separate the threads and can damage the fasteners if not careful. In this blog post, we will discuss why galling occurs and how to prevent it from happening in your projects.
What Is Galling?
Galling is a type of wear that occurs when two surfaces rub against each other during assembly or disassembly. It is caused by a combination of friction, heat, and pressure that causes metal to transfer from one surface to another, creating a “galling” effect. This transfer of metal creates an inter-thread locking situation where the two parts cannot be taken apart without significant force or damage being done.
How To Prevent Galling with Stainless Steel Fasteners?
When using stainless steel fasteners, there are some steps you can take to prevent galling from occurring:
- Use lubricants such as oil, grease or thread locker on the threads before assembly. This will help reduce the friction between the threads and make it easier for them to slide past each other when tightened or loosened.
- Ensure all threads are cleanly cut and free of debris which can cause binding between the parts.
- Keep temperatures low while working with stainless steel fasteners, as heat can increase galling potential.
- Ensure proper torque values are used when tightening/loosening fasteners, as over-tightening can lead to galling.
- If possible, use an anti-seize compound on the threads, which will help reduce friction even further and protect against corrosion over time.
Conclusion:
Galling can be a significant issue when dealing with stainless steel fasteners, but it can be avoided altogether with proper care and maintenance! By following the steps outlined above, you should have no problem preventing any inter-thread locking issues from occurring in your projects involving stainless steel components! With proper care, your stainless steel fastener projects will be successful!
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