What Should Do When Stainless Steel Screws Lock?

When we install stainless steel screws, we often hear that stainless steel screws are locked. It is difficult to remove stainless steel screws after they are locked, and even if they are removed, the threads are too worn to be used again. So is there any good way to avoid stainless steel screw locks? As a professional fastener supplier, Xinchi Fastener Company is happy to answer your questions. Today we’d like to in-depth discuss the reason for stainless steel screws locking, in order to look for better solutions to increase the service life of stainless steel screws.

Why may stainless steel screws seize?

Stainless steel screw seizing is a bit like cold welding. When fasteners are assembled and locked, speed and friction will produce instantaneous high temperatures, which will lead to metal fusion and adhesion. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of stainless steel is very poor. When the temperature is too cold or too hot, the bolt will be deformed because of its own expansion or contraction. When the surface of stainless steel screws is damaged, an oxide film is produced to prevent further corrosion. When the fastener is tightened, the pressure on the surface of the thread in contact destroys the oxide film. Metal contact points that lose oxide film will flake off and bite each other, so it is easy to lock.

What are the methods to prevent stainless steel screws from locking or seizing?

Matters needing attention when selecting stainless steel screw products

When choosing stainless steel products, we should choose those products whose mechanical properties can meet the needs of the user. If the specifications and performance of stainless steel screws are not equal to the actual requirements, then the stainless steel screws will be prone to wear phenomenon while use.

The length of the bolt should be chosen appropriately, with 1-2 teeth spacing of the nut exposed after tightening.

Before buying, remember to check the stainless steel screw on the teeth of whether there is damage, see whether the thread is rough, whether there is no debris between the threads, and so on.

Matters needing attention when operating stainless steel screw products

Before use, check whether there is dirt between the threads of stainless steel screws and remember to clean them up.

Stainless steel screws can be properly lubricated to reduce friction.

Learning to properly use washers can effectively prevent the problem of overlocking.

Screw in stainless steel screws at a good Angle, remember not to exert too much force.

How to maintain stainless steel screws in daily life?

If the stainless steel screws are in a humid environment for a long time, in fact, it is easy to rust. And rust stainless steel screws are easy to lock. In order to prevent the locking phenomenon, we should do a good job of stainless steel screw maintenance. We can coat stainless steel screws to prevent rust. And for those stainless steel screws with decorative functions, it is necessary to clean and scrub the surface often, so as not to affect the appearance. If there is dust or easy-to-remove dirt on the surface of stainless steel screws, we should use soap, weak detergent, or warm water to washing. All the mentioned methods can effectively increase the service life of stainless steel screws.

Anji Xinchi Fastening Piece Co., Ltd is a one-stop solution fasteners company and is the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier,  Xinchi Fastener Company can offer a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including tee nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, washers, etc. If you want to know more about fasteners or want to wholesale fasteners, please feel free to contact us. And then our experienced and expert service team will reply to you as soon as possible.