Regular steel bolts for rails?

Decidion · 09-25-2007, 03:24 AM

I had to go out and buy bolts for the rails I picked up second hand, and I just bought regular steel. But then I got to thinking...should I have bought hardened steel or stainless steel? Or some other higher strength steel?

SavageX25 · 09-25-2007, 03:49 AM

Stainless should be fine.

NCFJ · 09-25-2007, 06:08 AM

I'd go with grade 8 bolts myself

Kansas Law Dog · 09-25-2007, 07:50 AM

The bolt size is 8mm (M8), which has a head size that takes a 13mm wrench. I recommend 1-1/2" long (35-38 mm), with flat washer and locking washer. For strength I recommend bolts with 10.9 stamped on the head, as these are rated for the equivalent of 120K psi; whereas standard bolts are typically 60K psi. When installing the bolts tighten to 22 foot-pounds of torque.

gascolator · 09-25-2007, 08:02 AM

If you use regular steel, use lotsa Nevr-Sieze to ensure that they don't rust
solidly into place. Lock-washers of course to keep 'em tight.

Mustang · 09-25-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Kansas Law Dog previously said:

The bolt size is 8mm (M8), which has a head size that takes a 13mm wrench. I recommend 1-1/2" long (35-38 mm), with flat washer and locking washer. For strength I recommend bolts with 10.9 stamped on the head, as these are rated for the equivalent of 120K psi; whereas standard bolts are typically 60K psi. When installing the bolts tighten to 22 foot-pounds of torque.

Yes. And the ones with the yellow finish normally have a higher level of corrosion resistance. These are surprisingly hard to find. Like any type of metal, there are a lot of types of stainless so if you go that way, make sure you know what you are getting.

DFrelich · 09-25-2007, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Decidion previously said:

I had to go out and buy bolts for the rails I picked up second hand, and I just bought regular steel. But then I got to thinking...should I have bought hardened steel or stainless steel? Or some other higher strength steel?

This what I did. I bought stainless steel bolts. Much easier to use. I also bought neoprene washers to seal out water. Used that under the footings of the rack. It has been a year I installed it. No problem whatsoever.

mikey · 09-25-2007, 08:13 PM

Even the yellow zinc plated will rust/seize, like gascolator mentioned using some Koper-Kote or similar will prevent seizing. One thing to remember about Koper-Kote is a little dab'll do you, this stuff gets everywhere and can be messy.

Decidion · 09-26-2007, 03:06 AM

Thanks for all the great replies