Chromed Brass vs. Stainless

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Mar 28, 2005
182
Oday 272 Baltimore
I have to purchase a quantity of barrel nuts to install a couple of new portlights. WM has them for $1.49 each in stainless. I've found a comparable nut made of chromed brass (see link) in Hamilton Marine's online catalog. Is this suitable for this use in the elements and is it compatible with a SS machine screw? Thanks very much in advance for your feedback!
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Lou check McMaster-Carr

before you buy from others.
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,204
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
In My Experience

...you will not be happy with plated brass. The plating deteriorates quickly and the brass will corrode. The quality of this stuff is kinda iffy these days. I'd go with the S/S. RD
 
Jun 1, 2005
772
Pearson 303 Robinhood, ME
Stay with...

the stainless. Lessens the chance of anything going wrong. Rich
 
Jun 13, 2005
559
Irwin Barefoot 37 CC Sloop Port Orchard WA
No and yes

Chromed Brass is not esthetically suitable over time in a salt water environment because they are cheaply chromed (they do not use an intermediate plating of copper because of both the cost and the affect on the threads). The chrome will eventually pit and peel, and then get black and green. They will not look pretty but they will run on and off the stainless screws just fine. Stainless on the other hand are stronger, with a higher yield strength in the thread, but they are vulnerable to a phenomenon called galling, were the threads of the nut sort of weld themselves to those of the screw. This would normally happen when there is very high load; so I personally never worry about it in fasteners. If the price difference is manageable I would use the stainless.
 
Mar 28, 2005
182
Oday 272 Baltimore
Is this a great site or what?

Thanks all for your quick responses! Ross, thanks for the suggestion of McMaster-Carr. I looked there, and it looks like just under $1 each for SS. It is getting a little more affordable. Clearly the consensus is to stay away from the chromed brass. Will do! Thanks again.
 

John

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Jun 3, 2006
803
Catalina 36mkII Alameda CA
non-marine ss?

Is there really a difference between ss screws that a regular hardware store sells and those sold in a marine supply store - other than the price?
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
Check them with a magnet

if they aren't magnetic they should be alright for non-structrual use. (structrual use-Holds up the keel)
 
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