Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners: Stainless Steel, Zinc & Galvanized | SC Fastening





Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners: Stainless Steel, Zinc & Galvanized | SC Fastening



Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners: Stainless Steel, Zinc, and Galvanized Options

The Cost of Rust

Fasteners are small, but their impact is huge. Rusty screws, bolts, and washers can compromise structural integrity, slow down maintenance, and increase replacement costs.

Outdoor projects, coastal environments, and industrial applications require corrosion-resistant fasteners that can withstand moisture, salt, and harsh weather conditions.

At SC Fastening, we stock a wide range of corrosion-resistant options to keep your projects strong and long-lasting.

The True Cost of Corrosion

$276B

Annual corrosion cost in the U.S.

3-5x

Cost of replacing vs. using proper fasteners

25-50+

Years lifespan with corrosion-resistant fasteners

Types of Corrosion-Resistant Fasteners


Stainless Steel Fasteners

Why use them: Highly resistant to corrosion, especially in wet or humid environments
Common applications: Marine projects, outdoor structures, and high-moisture areas
Pros:

  • Long-lasting
  • Non-reactive with many metals
  • Minimal maintenance
Cons:

  • More expensive than standard steel
  • Higher cost than zinc-coated options

Pro Tip: Use 304 stainless steel for general outdoor use and 316 stainless for marine or chemical exposure environments.


Zinc-Coated Fasteners

Why use them: Protective zinc coating prevents rust and increases lifespan
Common applications: General construction, indoor/outdoor light-duty projects
Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Widely available
  • Good basic corrosion protection
Cons:

  • Coating can wear off over time
  • Not ideal for extreme moisture
  • Limited salt exposure resistance

Pro Tip: Choose yellow zinc for added visibility or aesthetic appeal in finished projects.


Galvanized Fasteners

Why use them: Thick zinc coating applied through hot-dip galvanization for heavy-duty corrosion protection
Common applications: Outdoor decks, fencing, structural steel, and industrial projects
Pros:

  • Extremely durable in harsh environments
  • Excellent longevity
  • Cost-effective for large projects
Cons:

  • Thicker coating affects threading
  • Can affect fastener tolerances
  • Heavier than uncoated fasteners

Pro Tip: Always verify the coating thickness (measured in mils) for your project’s environmental conditions.

Choosing the Right Corrosion-Resistant Fastener


Assess the Environment

Coastal? Industrial? Wet or humid? Evaluate exposure levels to determine protection needs


Load Requirements

Structural steel vs. light-duty wood fasteners require different strength specifications


Longevity vs. Cost

Stainless steel lasts longest but costs more; zinc is cost-effective for short-term or indoor projects


Check Compatibility

Avoid mixing metals that can cause galvanic corrosion

Corrosion Resistance Comparison

Feature Stainless Steel Zinc-Coated Galvanized
Corrosion Resistance Excellent Good Very Good
Cost High Low Medium
Lifespan 50+ years 5-10 years 25-40 years
Best For Marine, chemical exposure Indoor, light outdoor Heavy outdoor, structural

SC Fastening’s Corrosion-Resistant Selection

We stock corrosion-resistant fasteners in screws, bolts, washers, anchors, and nuts — covering stainless steel, zinc-coated, and galvanized options.

Whether your project is residential, commercial, or industrial, our team can help match the right fastener to your needs — protecting your investment and reducing future maintenance.

Fasteners That Stand the Test of Time

Don’t let rust compromise your work. Choosing the right corrosion-resistant fastener ensures long-lasting, safe, and reliable installations.

Explore Our Corrosion-Resistant Selection

Visit SC Fastening Systems to explore our full range of stainless steel, zinc, and galvanized fasteners — built to perform in the toughest conditions.

Expert Guidance

Material selection assistance

Complete Inventory

All corrosion-resistant types

Quality Products

Tested for harsh conditions

Local Stock

Fast delivery across Ohio