Whether you consider yourself a handy person or not, there might come a time when you need to whip out a hammer to fix that crooked picture or loose outdoor decking. This is the perfect time to start researching best stainless steel nails. Stainless steel nails aren’t ideal for every construction, but their durability makes it hard not to at least consider them.
Why Choose Stainless Steel
There is one component of stainless steel that makes it surpass any other building material: chromium. Chromium does not just provide strength to stainless steel building materials, but it also helps with resistance to rust and other outdoor elements. The oxygen within chromium is the main reason for these resistant properties.
If your project is outdoors – especially if you live in a coastal region where rust is likely to happen – stainless steel should be your go to. They can withstand salty air, extreme cold or hot temperatures. Many people don’t just choose it for its durability, but also for its appearance. Since it won’t rust, you don’t have to worry about unpleasant aesthetics.
The perks of stainless steel don’t end there. This material is not just corrosion-resistant and aesthetically pleasing, but also environmentally friendly. They are 100% recyclable, and can be melted down and transformed into a number of stainless steel materials once they are no longer needed.
Choosing Stainless Steel Nails
Once you’ve narrowed down the many nail choices and landed on stainless steel, perhaps you think that the hard work is done. Wrong! There are many varieties of stainless steel nails to choose from; if you feel overwhelmed, simply ask a home hardware specialist/salesman at your local Home Depot or Lowes. If you’re trying to make the choice on your own, here’s what you need to know.
The chromium content within stainless steel varies
The stainless steel used to manufacture nails, screws and fasteners has a chromium content of 10.5% or greater. More costly and durable stainless steel is priced based on how much chromium is present; higher chromium content means a higher price. Manufacturers are responsible for putting the chromium content of the stainless steel on the packaging, so you should easily be able to find it.
There are different grades of nails
There are many grades of stainless steel nails, but to keep things as simple as possible most manufacturers stick to 3: 302, 304, and 316. The lowest grade, 302, has a greater carbon count (and less chromium) than the higher grades. These are softer than the higher grades and much less sturdy, but the perk is that they are cheaper.
The most common grade to buy is the 304. This has an even balance of nickel and chromium, making it extremely resistant to corrosion and the elements. 304’s provide plenty of strength and durability for just about any construction project. If you want extreme strength, though, go with the 316 grade. Just keep in mind that these are costlier than the lower grades.
