Stainless steel half hex rivet nuts are an excellent choice for applications that require corrosion resistance. They are also durable, strong, and have an attractive appearance.

These fasteners can be used in a wide range of materials including galvanised or pre-painted steel. They are also easier to install than welding.

Stainless Steel Grade

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which prevents corrosion by forming a layer of chromium oxide. This chromium oxide layer is much tougher than flaky, unstable iron oxide and acts as a barrier to protect the iron within the alloy.

Several different types of stainless steels exist, each with its own set of characteristics and properties. There are Austenitic grades, Ferritic grades, Duplex, Martensitic and Precipitation hardening stainless steels.

Grade 304 is the most common type of stainless steel. It is made from a mix of iron, chromium and nickel.

The chromium in this stainless steel forms a protective layer called passivation that helps prevent the iron from rusting, a common issue with iron-based materials under conditions of high moisture and salty air.

This chromium also acts as an effective barrier to acid environments, preventing corrosion from occurring at the surface of the material. This makes it a popular choice for many applications that require long-term corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel Material

When choosing stainless steel half hexagon rivet nuts, there are several factors you need to consider. These include the material, size, and finish.

The material to choose from depends on what type of application you are trying to meet. The stainless steel material you choose will also have an effect on the resulting product’s strength and corrosion resistance.

Carbon: The main alloying element, carbon imparts a wide range of mechanical properties to steel. Increasing the amount of carbon makes the steel harder and stronger but more brittle, while decreasing it improves its ductility and formability.

Chromium: Stainless steels with high chromium content have more corrosion resistance than those with low chromium levels. This is because the chromium reacts with oxygen on the surface to create a passive film that prevents further corrosion.

Other alloying elements, such as nickel and molybdenum, can be added to stainless steel to improve its performance. These additions may help the material resist corrosion in certain mediums, and make it more ductile.

Stainless Steel Size

Stainless steel half hexagon rivet nuts come in a variety of sizes. They are available in various threads and can be purchased in both left- and right-hand configurations.

There are also several different head styles to choose from. Some of the most popular are flat heads and hex heads.

These are typically used for mounting purposes because they provide greater surface area. However, they need to be countersunk into whatever surface they’re mounted on.

The semi-hex body type provides a significantly increased resistance to spin-out when installed into a hex hole. This feature is especially useful in applications where the grip range of a rivet nut is narrowed.

Stainless Steel Finish

Stainless steel half hexagon rivet nuts are available in a variety of finishes. Zinc-plated (uncoated) nuts are a common choice, offering moderate corrosion resistance. Stainless steel, on the other hand, improves resistance to tarnishing and corrosion significantly.

316-grade stainless steel has an increased content of nickel and molybdenum, which provides greater corrosion resistance to aggressive conditions than the standard 304-grade material. This is ideal for applications exposed to salt water or other harsh environments.

Typically, these nuts are installed in pre-punched hex holes, eliminating the need for additional hole preparation. They also offer a stronger, higher-performing thread than self-clinching nuts and have a smaller flange that is less susceptible to turning during installation.