To help you choose the right rust-resistant screws for your projects, we’re going to discuss the different causes of rust and highlight the best types of screws you should use.
What Causes Screws to Rust?
Rust is the result of a chemical reaction known as oxidation, where iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form iron oxide. The reaction between iron, oxygen and moisture weakens the metal and compromises its structural integrity, which thus leads to unsightly corrosion. Over time, rust can cause serious damage and make screws brittle and less effective at holding materials together.
Environmental Factors
Several environmental factors contribute to the rusting process, however. High levels of humidity and frequent exposure to rain, snow, and salt, especially in coastal areas, can accelerate rust formation. Acidic conditions can also speed up the corrosion process, which makes it crucial to use screws that can withstand these harsh elements.
6 Types of Rust-Resistant Screws
Although traditional screws are prone to rust, there are several types of screws that don’t rust. Here are some of the most popular rust-resistant screws and where they are most applicable:
1. Stainless Steel Screws
Made from an alloy with at least 10.5% chromium, stainless steel screws form a protective chromium oxide layer to prevent rust. They are ideal for marine environments (316-grade) due to superior saltwater resistance.
Applications
Stainless steel screws are predominantly used in building marine hardware, food processing equipment, and outdoor furniture. They are especially valuable in coastal areas where the salt air would rapidly degrade lesser metals.
2. Galvanized Screws
Galvanized screws are coated in zinc through hot-dip or electro-galvanization to protect against rust. The hot-dip method involves submerging the screws in molten zinc to create a thick, robust layer ideal for outdoor and harsh environments.
The electro-galvanization process provides a thinner layer that offers a more uniform coat around the screw.
Applications
Galvanized screws are commonly used in outdoor decking, fencing, and garden structures. They are also suited for environments where slight periodic moisture is expected but direct water exposure is limited, such as suburban backyards.
3. Zinc-Plated Screws
Zinc-plated screws are typically coated using a less intensive electroplating process that applies a thinner layer of zinc compared to hot-dipped galvanized screws. This method is more cost-effective and still provides good protection against corrosion, which makes it suitable for less extreme conditions.
Applications
Zinc-plated screws are ideal for indoor use and less demanding outdoor environments where they face minimal exposure to harsh conditions. They are often used in furniture, appliances, and light structural applications where moisture is controlled.
4. Ceramic-Coated Screws
Protected by a ceramic material layer, these screws offer added resistance against moisture and scratches, which makes them suitable for roofing and outdoor wood projects.
Applications
Ceramic-coated screws are ideal for applications involving metal roofs, gutters, and outdoor wood constructions where aesthetics are important. The ceramic coating also allows for easier driving into materials without pre-drilling, which is particularly useful for quick installation tasks.
5. Titanium-Coated Screws
With a coating of titanium particles, these screws provide exceptional resistance against extreme weather and temperatures, and are perfect for aerospace and high-performance applications.
Applications
Titanium-coated screws are used in demanding engineering contexts such as aerospace, automotive, and high-performance machinery. They can handle extreme temperatures and environments where standard screws would fail.
6. Painted Head Screws
Painted head screws are coated with a layer of durable paint that not only enhances their corrosion resistance, it also allows them to blend seamlessly with the material they are fastened into. This type of screw is particularly useful in applications where aesthetics are as important as functionality.
Applications
Painted head screws are extensively used in the construction of colored metal facades, trim, and fittings in both residential and commercial buildings. They are also popular in automotive and appliance industries where screws must match the color of the surrounding surfaces to provide a clean, uniform appearance. Their rust-resistant properties make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, particularly where exposure to moisture is a concern, but direct water contact is limited.
Comprehensive Benefits of Using Screws That Don’t Rust
Besides the obvious benefit of rust-resistant screws—that is, they are screws that don’t rust—there are several other benefits to consider. Here are a few you should know about:
Longevity and Cost-Efficiency
Rust-resistant screws extend the lifespan of projects and reduce the need for frequent replacements, offering significant cost savings.
Aesthetic Integrity
Screws that don’t rust help maintain the appearance of projects over time by avoiding unsightly rust and corrosion marks, which is crucial for aesthetic beauty of outdoor projects.
Environmental Impact
Using durable screws helps reduce waste. In fact, certain coatings can be less toxic and even more sustainable than other options, providing environmental advantages.
Upgrade Your Projects with Fastener Systems Inc. Premium Rust-Resistant Screws
Selecting the appropriate rust-resistant screws ensures not only the structural integrity of your projects, but also their enduring beauty and durability against the rigors of time and environment.
Fastener Systems Inc. (FSI) is committed to providing high-quality, reliable solutions for all your fastening needs. Their rust-resistant screws are designed to ensure long-lasting performance and durability to help you complete your projects with confidence and peace of mind.
We offer a wide range of screws that won’t rust, including stainless steel, galvanized, zinc, ceramic-coated, and titanium-coated options—each of which is designed to meet specific requirements and applications that help you find the perfect fastener for your project.
As a leader in the fastener industry, FSI is a national company that serves customers in all 50 states. Our full-color catalog is designed to be the most comprehensive and informative reference guide for fasteners and tools in the construction industry.
Contact us today for more information on our quality products and request a quote for your next order!
