316L SS fasteners vs. 404 SS fasteners

[minorchord2000]

Any thoughts on self tapping self drilling SS fasteners when attaching light gage or medium gage sheet to the flanges of structural steel beams? Pilot holes? protection against galling? etc.

Comparison of the two different grades of SS?

 

[EdStainless]

Other than that the 316 fasteners are probably twice the price. They are a lot more corrosion resistant, but unless this application is near the coast I can't see that being a factor.

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[kenvlach]

404 (or the more commonly available 410), quenched + tempered, is much higher strength than 316L, so more suitable for self-tapping screws. Compare the screws' yield strengths.

For use on structural steel, you probably need self-drilling screws (self-tapping + fluted ends). I suspect 316L fasteners would need to be fully work hardened, plus need pilot holes in the structural steel.

 

[minorchord2000]

Thanks kenvlach. Have you ever heard of drilling the pilot holes with a "#1 sheeter's bit?"