Hex Nuts in Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel

Standard Hexagonal Nuts For General Applications

Hex nuts, or hex finish nuts, are the most common type of finish nut used. The hexagonal shape makes these nuts easy to grasp with a wrench or pliers. These nuts are often used with screws and bolts when mechanically joining materials together. They are installed on the opposite side of the materials being fastened. With the bolt head or machine screw head on the other side, they compress the materials together for a secure fit.

Stainless Steel

18-8 or 304 grades of Stainless steel are suitable for many general purpose applications, especially freshwater and non-salt water wet environments. Corrosion-resistant and durable, 18-8 stainless steel is equivalent to the A2 grade of stainless steel.

For much more corrosive environments, such as in saltwater or marine applications, 316 stainless steel is the ideal choice. 316 Stainless steel is equivalent to A4 stainless steel.

FAQs

What are hex nuts?

Hex nuts are hexagonal blocks of material, typically metal, with a hole punched through that is threaded. Hex nuts, or hex finish nuts, are the most common type of finish nut used. The hexagonal shape makes these nuts easy to grasp with a wrench or pliers. These nuts are often used with screws and bolts when mechanically joining materials together.

What is a hex nut used for?

Hex nuts are used alongside machine threaded fasteners to complete a secure assembly. The head of the screw or bolt clamps down on the material while the nut clamps down on the opposite side. This effectively "sandwiches" the assembly securely together.

How does a hex nut work?

Hex nuts work jointly with machine threaded fasteners such as bolts, anchors, and machine screws to effectively clamp down on both sides of the fastened material. The bolt and nut threading causes friction against each other, allowing a secure fit for general applications. A lock nut is used instead if the application would be subject to high amounts of vibration.

What does 316 mean for stainless steel?

316 is a grade of stainless steel under the 300 series of stainless steel, including 303, 304, and 305. 316 Stainless Steel is distinct from these other grades because it is highly corrosive resistant and well suited to marine applications.

Is 304 or 316 stainless better?

316 stainless steel is better in most ways over 304 stainless steel. 316 Stainless has excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and hardness and is well suited to marine applications. However, it's much more expensive than 304 and is not as formable as 304 either.