Exploring the Materials Used in Barrel Bolts

Mating fasteners, also known as Chicago screws, barrel nuts, or post and screw fasteners, are a type of fastening solution used to join two or more materials securely. They consist of two components: a male screw (post) and a female barrel, which has an internally threaded hole. When assembled, the male and female parts combine to create a robust and tamper-resistant connection.

The choice of materials used in barrel bolts plays a pivotal role in their performance and durability. From the robust strength of stainless steel to the lightweight versatility of aluminum, the materials used in barrels and screws can significantly impact their functionality in various applications.

In this article, we delve into the diverse options available, examining the unique properties of each material and the factors to consider when selecting mating fasteners for specific needs.

Aluminum
Aluminum boasts the strength equivalent to mild steel but is only one-third of the weight, making it an ideal choice for various applications. It demonstrates remarkable resistance to corrosion in wet environments and is commonly employed for fittings, hardware, and fasteners. Additionally, it possesses nonmagnetic properties.

Brass
Brass, composed of approximately two-thirds copper and one-third zinc, is a relatively softer material. It offers good resistance to rust and atmospheric corrosion, making it suitable for use in gears, bearings, fasteners, and valves. Furthermore, brass exhibits nonmagnetic characteristics.

Copper
Copper, known for its versatility and durability, finds applications in various fields. Its distinctive color is particularly favored by artists and architects for its decorative finish. This electrically conductive material boasts excellent thermal properties, is nonmagnetic, and resists rust in wet environments.

Stainless Steel 18-8 (303)
Type 303 stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance and is resilient against chemicals, most dyes, food, and nitric acid. Widely used for screws, bushings, nuts, and hardware, it may exhibit mild magnetic properties.

Stainless Steel 316 (316/316L)
Type 316 stainless steel surpasses Type 303 in terms of corrosion resistance. It effectively resists saltwater, acids, chlorides, alkalis, and various industrial solvents. This low-maintenance material is commonly utilized in commercial kitchens and food processing, with a possibility of mild magnetic behavior.

Stainless Steel 416
Type 416 stainless steel can achieve hardness up to Maximum Rockwell C40 after heat treatment. It resists acids, alkalis, fresh water, and dry air, making it a non-galling and hardenable material suitable for fittings, gears, shafts, and screws. This type of stainless steel is magnetic.

Low Carbon Steel
Low Carbon steel is employed in numerous general-purpose applications. To resist rust, it requires a finish such as black oxide treatment or zinc plating. Commonly used for binding posts, bushings, washers, inserts, fittings, screws, and nuts, this material exhibits magnetic properties.

If you need assistance determining which type or material of mating fasteners works best for your application, contact Mudge Fasteners at (800) 634-0406.