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STEELHEAD™ Fasteners recommends stainless steel for all cedar wood, ACQ lumber, decks and waterfront applications as well as for use in materials with a life expectancy of 30 years or more. All exterior projects should include either stainless steel or hot dipped galvanized fasteners for maximum protection against the elements. Aluminum and low-grade steel corrodes quickly in the presence of copper because of the difference in electro-chemical potential. All pressure treated lumber requires Hot Dipped Galvanized or better protection.

Where Do I use Stainless Steel in place of Hot-Dipped Galvanized?

For ACQ treated lumber in the presence of electrolytes, such as saltwater, copper reacts quickly with any metal close to it on the galvanic series of metals and alloys, causing corrosion. Since 304 grade stainless steel is closer to copper in the electro-motive series, corrosion is virtually nonexistent. For maximum long term corrosion protection, stainless steel is the only way to go!

AISI 304 GRADE STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is a metal alloy that in and of itself is corrosion resistant without the addition of any chemical coatings. Stainless steel provides superior protection to even double hot-dipped galvanized and will sustain a longer life than any of the above-mentioned fasteners. Stainless steel will not bleed into cedar or redwood. Stainless steel meets specifications for ACQ and other pressure treated lumber. All Steelhead brand stainless steel  fasteners meet or exceed the AISI 304 grade for stainless standards. Laboratory chemical analysis on the stainless steel guarantees its consistent composition.

HOT-DIPPED GALVANIZED

Our Hot Dipped galvanized nails are dipped into a vat of molten zinc, which provides the best form of galvanization. Each nail is completely and evenly covered providing a thick layer of zinc coating and creating an inner layer of zinc-steel alloy. All of Steelhead hot-dipped collated fasteners meet or exceed ASTM A153 standard for hot-dipped galvanized. They meet all requirements for "ACQ" and other pressure treated lumber.

An independent laboratory test was done to measure the amount of zinc on Steelhead hot dipped nails. The plastic collated framing nails (3-1/2” x .131” hot-dipped galvanized) weighed in at 1.78 ounces per foot squared, greatly exceeding he ASTM requirement of 1 ounce per foot squared.

When optimum protection is required from the elements rely on the quality of STEELHEAD™ FASTENERS.