303SS to 303SS galling and lubrication

[tgr585]

I have a 10-32 303SS fastener and a 303SS nut that is experiencing a galling and breaking issue when installed 3-4 times. The application is a circuit card connector jackposts. Material change is out of the question. Has anyone used a light organic as a lubricant such as an alcohol (IPA?) Would this lubricate enough to reduce the galling?
Thanks,

 

[CoryPad]

Not for 3-4 times. You will need a better lubricant - dry-film types, molybdenum disulfide, etc.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[iainuts]

I've used Dow Corning Molykote 321 quite a bit. Works great.

 

[EdStainless]

You need to change one of the parts to a high strength SS.
The lube will need to re-applied from time to time.
Molycoat is great, but very messy.
If you need something longer lasting look into tungsten disulfide. This can be applied by a vapor deposition process.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[tgr585]

Yes, I agree moly or tungsten disulfide would work except it is not allowed on this application, it is considered a contaminant. Also I cannot change materials of the jackscrew, as yet. Does anyone have any experience with light organics as being used as a "lubricant" for each attempt. i.e. Apply alcohol when it is torqued and again when it is taken out. Would this increase the number of times this jackscrew could be torqued by reducing the galling by a small amount each time?

 

[EdStainless]

The tungsten disulfide is a very tough and robust coating, and very thin. It isn't an oil or dust. I don't think that a organic would help.
One thing that would work is silver plating. It is very gall resistant.

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Plymouth Tube

 

[moltenmetal]

Something like IPA will make things worse by removing whatever grease was on the fasteners in the 1st place.

EdStainless has it again- silver plating. It works on the caps of Swagelok fittings, so it should work for you too.

 

[israelkk]

Silver coating on one of the parts

 

[tgr585]

Thanks. We did discuss silver but it was rejected due to cost. I will have to pursue this again or try some sort of conversion coating.

 

[unclesyd]

A little late to the forum but here goes.

I would give Nye lubrication a call.

http://www.nyelubricants.com/index.htm

Here is a Slickote product that I been testing lately on SS and Al fasteners and getting good results especially if the fasteners have a very light conversion coating. It appears that the conversion coating helps retain some of the lubricant.

http://www.slickote.com/cetyl_alcohol.htm