MMD > Archives > November 2006 > 2006.11.14 > 05Prev  Next


Electrolytic Action Welds Dissimilar Metals
By Steve McCollum

It sounds like theruststore.com is a good place to bookmark!  Thanks
for the tip.  I have one comment.

Walt Kehoe noted, "With new stainless steel nuts, washers and lock
washers applied to the bolt threads and lubricated with WD-40, the
posts with reconstructed aluminum bases now stand on the original bases
and j-bolts..."

I made the mistake (as I found out later) of using a stainless nut with
a cadmium-plated carbon steel bolt in an outdoor fish tank.  Over one
summer, there was enough electrolytic action between the dissimilar
metals that they welded permanently together.  Now, I'm careful to use
identical grades of stainless steel for the nut, washer, and bolt, and
to use a mild grade of Loctite to keep the water out of the threads.

I have heard that orthopedic surgeons employ stainless screws, plates,
etc., that are made from the same heat (batch) of steel, to avoid
electrolytic action in a patient's body after surgery.

Steve McCollum


(Message sent Tue 14 Nov 2006, 16:16:19 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Action, Dissimilar, Electrolytic, Metals, Welds
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