How to protect welded threaded studs that will be exposed for some time until construction resumes?

[AaronMcD]

As the title asks, do any of you know how to protect welded threaded studs from moisture/rust if they will be exposed for several months?

These studs are for nailers, so the capacity is limited by wood and likely a little rust won't hurt, but just in case. Would grease help? Sleeves? Something else?

Thanks

http://www.hellodwell.design

 

[rb1957]

grease, petroleum jelly, … something to keep the water off.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[GC_Hopi]

Coatings is an other option. Usually you can get HDG or shop primed.

 

[r13]

Cover up with plastic sheet, or tarps.

 

[AaronMcD]

We weren't sure if primer is allowed on threaded studs, and grease might have to be removed. I'm not sure if grease is allowed to remain.

However, this probably doesn't matter because they won't have time to do anything about the studs unless the city gives them an extension and that isn't likely. They were told to brace the structure for safety today and then stop work. But just in case, I'm trying to look into what they could do, theoretically.

http://www.hellodwell.design

 

[AaronMcD]

I was thinking wrap the members with something, but this is erected steel and I'm not sure wrapping would remain in place in high winds. Again, it's unlikely they'll be allowed to do anything though.

http://www.hellodwell.design

 

[Brad805]

Grease comes off easily if permitted to use solvents. Paint, less so.

 

[JAE]

Here's a company that makes a vinyl protector - they are in Europe, however, and you aren't I don't believe:

https://www.loven-sp.com/vinyl-thread-protector/

There may be a US company providing similar products.

 

[CANPRO]

I don’t think that’s a particularly long time to be left exposed. Similar to anchor bolts for residential foundations, which I have seen exposed for 1 yr+ without issue. Unless you’re in an unusually corrosive environment, I wouldn’t do anything.

 

[azcats]

Can imagine they're too long. How about some liberally applied anti-seize and a 2-3 nuts spun on the studs? Would also protect the threads from getting dinged up.

 

[Ron]

Duct tape

 

[STrctPono]

I'm pretty partial to Cortec.

Link

This product contains a migrating corrosion inhibitor in the temporary coating. You can also apply it with a HVLP spray gun.

 

[dhengr]

AaronMcD:
Look at construction materials, conc. & masonry materials supply stores, for plastic cups or tubes used to cover the ends of protruding rebars during construction. They come in different lengths and dias. for different sized rebars, and are protection against someone being impaled on the rebars in a fall. There are also similar plastic thread covers for pipe threads.

 

[Agent666]

Wrapping them in Denso tape might be an option. It sticks good but only leaves behind some petroleum based waxy stuff on removal which could be easily removed.

 

[CANPRO]

To all responding with options for protecting these studs - have you experienced issues with threaded fasteners being exposed for just a few months? I haven't seen this as an issue, but I'd be interested to hear if it has been for others. I know OP was specifically asking for options for protection, but if "do nothing" is acceptable I think that should be first choice.

My own experience says its not a problem, but I seem to be alone on this so far. Did a quick bit of research on atmospheric corrosion rates for carbon steel. According to the Galvanizers Association of America, in a typical (rural/urban) environment, you could expect to have a maximum section loss of 0.07mm - I don't see this being a problem.

 

[rb1957]

why would you have to remove the grease ? some special installation ??

I guess you could mould plastic caps over the exposed threads ? How many ?

What will protect the threads in service ?

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[Rabbit12]

I'm with CANPRO, I'd tend to do nothing especially considering you aren't need capacity. If you have rust when construction resumes a stiff bristle wire brush will probably take it off quickly.

 

[AaronMcD]

Thanks guys. "Do nothing" is probably what's going to happen anyway so good to hear it seems acceptable. It was a concern from the contractor so we said we'd look into options.

http://www.hellodwell.design

 

[r13]

I would allow the contractor to say their concern and solution, if permissible. Otherwise they might charge you for whatever they found not fit later.