Fastener Corrosion Control

[heluse]

Hey, whats the name of the stuff you put on a stainless fastener to prevent galvanic corrosion when attaching it to an aluminum mast? I remember seeing it here once but can't find it mentioned anywhere.

 

[thinwater]

I think Tefgel is what you are thinking of, though there are others.

Teflon pipe dope is good in a pinch.

 

[$tingy Sailor]

Marelube is another. Galvanic corrosion is very insidious and can cause you to destroy parts to get them apart, particularly cast aluminum mastheads and boom fittings. It can practically weld dissimilar metal parts together and stainless steel fasteners, which are brittle already, snap easily before you can remove them.

Here's what it looks like at 200x magnification:

For my personal Hall of Shame and tips on getting corroded parts apart, see Beware of galvanic corrosion on my blog.

 

[The Garbone]

I purchased a bottle of antiseize with integrated brush in the lid. Slather all the surfaces before instalation and wipe away the excess.

 

[heluse]

Thanks, everyone. This forum really is excellent.

 

[Maine Sail]

My favorites:

TefGel
Duralac
Blue Loc-Tite

All of these do a good job at isolating dissimilar metals...

One's folks claim to work well but one's that I have not had good luck with..

Lanocote - AKA Lanolin
Silicone
Pipe Dope's - various
Greases
Never-Seize type products containing dissimilar metals such as aluminum, copper or graphite...

 

[hewebb]

Almost any liquid that will coat the surfaces and cure or dry will work. I use clear fingernail polish.