Black Oxide Stainless Steel Fasteners

Black Oxide Coating: Advantages, Limitations, and Custom Solutions

Our black oxide stainless steel fasteners feature enhanced corrosion resistance and a sleek black finish ideal for demanding automotive to firearms applications requiring durability and aesthetics. These military-grade fasteners meet stringent specifications for long-lasting, distinctive performance.

Not sure what material you need? Check out our Material Guide to find the right material for your needs!

What is a Black Oxide?

Black Oxide, also known as blackening, is a transformative chemical process that elevates stainless steel fasteners to a new level. By applying a black oxide coating, we not only achieve a sleek, jet-black appearance but also imbue these fasteners with a mild yet effective layer of corrosion and abrasion resistance. For ultimate corrosion protection, we offer the choice of wax or oil sealing, providing an additional shield without compromising performance. This process, often likened to gun bluing, involves immersing the fasteners into a black oxide bath, where the chemical alchemy converts the surface into magnetite

Discover the superior performance and style of Black Oxide Stainless Steel Nuts, Bolts, and Washers – where the enduring stainless steel meets the transformative power of black oxide.

Materials Suited for Black Oxide Treatment:

• Stainless Steel: Enhanced durability and a sleek appearance.


• Copper: Achieve corrosion resistance while preserving the material's conductivity.


• Copper-Based Alloys: Ideal for maintaining alloy properties while adding corrosion resistance.


• Zinc: Corrosion protection with an attractive black finish.


• Powdered Metals: Enhance the wear resistance and longevity of powdered metal components.


• Silver Solder: Combining corrosion resistance with an appealing black appearance.


• Brass: Adding a layer of corrosion resistance and a stylish black finish to brass materials.

What is The Black Oxide Processes?

Achieving the striking black oxide finish can be accomplished through various methods, each offering unique advantages. Let's delve into the three primary techniques:

• Hot Bath Process: This method involves immersing fasteners in a series of chemical solutions, transforming the surface into magnetite. After the dipping process, a protective layer of oil is applied, enhancing corrosion resistance. Our hot bath black oxide treatment adheres to stringent standards such as MIL-DTL-13924, AMS 2485, ASTM D769, and ISO 11408.


• Cold Coating: At room temperature, a compound (copper selenium) is applied to fasteners. This in-house-friendly process eliminates the need for high-temperature chemicals. While initially less robust, applying a layer of oil or wax can bolster its durability.


• Mid-Temperature Bath: Similar to the hot bath method, this approach converts the surface to magnetite but operates at lower temperatures, minimizing toxic fumes. Remarkably, it meets the same rigorous military standards as the hot bath process.

Unlock the potential of these black oxide processes to enhance the appearance and performance of your fasteners.

Benefits Of Black Oxide Fasteners

Black oxide fasteners bring a wealth of benefits to the table, making them a preferred choice for various applications:

• Minimal Dimensional Change: Unlike hot dip galvanizing, black oxide treatment has a minimal impact on fastener dimensions, ensuring precision and reliability.


• Cost-Efficient: Offering a cost-effective alternative to methods like electroplating, black oxide is budget-friendly without compromising quality.


• Aesthetic Appeal: Perfect for situations where a bright shine is undesirable, black oxide fasteners deliver an appealing, sleek black finish.


• High Efficiency: The process is easily scalable, enabling cost-effective treatment of large quantities and making it an excellent choice for smaller sizes.


• Enhanced Functionality: Black oxide treatment reduces the risk of galling by applying a protective oil finish, ensuring smoother performance.


• Decorative Finish: Beyond functionality, it provides a decorative touch, enhancing the visual appeal of fasteners.


• Corrosion and Abrasion Resistance: Black oxide adds a mild layer of corrosion and abrasion resistance, extending the lifespan of fasteners.


• Excellent Paint Adhesion: If painting is required, the black coating offers exceptional adhesion, ensuring a lasting and vibrant finish.

Discover the versatility and value of black oxide fasteners for your projects.

Will Black Oxide Bolts Rust?

Black oxide treatment imparts a valuable layer of corrosion and abrasion resistance to fasteners. However, it's important to recognize that, like any material, black oxide-treated bolts can potentially rust under specific circumstances. The likelihood of rust formation hinges on factors such as the fastener's condition, the underlying metal type, and prevailing environmental conditions.

the Limitations of Black Oxide

While black oxide offers certain advantages, it's essential to be aware of its limitations:

• Limited Corrosion Resistance: Compared to some alternative corrosion-resistant options, black oxide falls short in terms of overall corrosion resistance.


• Susceptible to Abrasion: The black oxide finish can be susceptible to abrasion, potentially wearing off with use. To mitigate this, applying painters tape to the bit tip for a snug fit can help prevent scratching during operation.


• Residue Concerns: Black oxide fasteners may release black residue, requiring wiping before use in specific applications. This additional step can be labor-intensive when dealing with a large quantity of fasteners.


• Heat Sensitivity: While black oxide fasteners are popular in the automotive industry for their sleek appearance, they may deteriorate rapidly in high-temperature environments. After black oxide treatment, fasteners are often immersed in an oil bath for added protection. However, in hot conditions, the oil residue can turn brown, giving the appearance of premature rusting. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid placing black oxide bolts on or near engines or in high-heat areas.

Understanding these drawbacks can help you make informed decisions regarding the use of black oxide fasteners in various applications.

Custom Black Oxide Coating Solutions: Your Fasteners, Your Way

Looking for a personalized black oxide coating that perfectly suits your needs? At our company, we offer custom black oxide options available through phone orders. If you can't find the exact solution you require in black oxide, simply reach out to us at 866-573-445 for pricing and availability. We're here to deliver the tailored coating you need.

Custom Fasteners and Hardware

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Black Oxide: Watch and Learn - Helpful Video

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Understanding the Black Oxide Process

Watch our informative video on the Black Oxide Process

Learn about the black oxide process, its applications, and the differences between hot and cold processes. This video covers:

• What black oxide is and how it's applied
• Different classes of black oxide finishes
• The basic steps in the black oxide process
• Various supplementary finishes (oil, wax, paint, lacquer)
• Corrosion resistance properties
• Applications in various industries

Watch this video to gain a deeper understanding of black oxide finishes and how to choose the right option for your specific needs.