Stainless steel bolts

[DannyS]

Last season, the bolts securing the self tailing mechanism on one of my winches broke. I was able to extract the broken bolts but I'm wondering what type of bolts would have been used originally. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I assume hardware store stainless steel replacements might not be the quality grade needed for such a high stress application.

 

[Chuckbear]

Danny, The manufacturers general tend to use whatever they get the best deal on and this is not always the best quality. But other factors can affect the fasteners, especially stainless when you get into a situation where crevice corrosion can occur. This can happen even in the best quality stainless. Chuck

 

[sailingdog]

Go to your local Fastenal location... they'll either have what you need or be able to get what you need at a reasonable price. 316 is better than 304, if a bit weaker, because it is far more resistant to crevice corrosion and chloride ion stress cracking.