Is there a type of allen bolt that won't rust that is black in color. Then ones I bought started to rust rather quickly.


However the ones I installed on my cam cover have not rusted. I feel as tho it is because I have a gasket leak and they got soaked in oil. Would that be a permanent fix? Or a delayed reaction?

 

The black ones that come from a hardware store aren't coated for rust protection, takes like 3 second for them to rust once they leave the store. You could have them powder coated, but then you run the risk of both the tool size decreasing and maybe the powder getting damaged when using the tool.

 

Joe will chime in. If I'm not mistaken, dang near every bolt on his scooter is pc'd.
He did both rotor and my pulley bolts, and no issues of figment with the torx head or the socket.
I'm sure it depends on the pc'er, and if they just load that crap on.

 

I come from a marine background where stainless hardware is first choice. I looked for awhile for black and never really came up with any good solution.
The black oxide fasteners from McMaster are pretty decent though. Ive been using some for some misc mounts and to hold my license plate on. No rust yet...

Yes, oil coating will prevent rust.

 

Carbon steel allen screws (socket head cap screws) have a Black Oxide finish and will rust. The clearance between say a 1/4" allen screw and allen key is only .003"-.004". So if powder coat in the socket is thicker than .0015" there will be an interference and the allen key will shave the coating when inserted. Also of course the wrenching action will compress and wear the coating. This said, as long as the coating doesn't wear all the way thru exposing the steel, it shouldn't rust.
The best alternative is use stainless screws whether powder coated or not.

 

There is a finnish which is zinc and black passivate. This gives some protection. Bolts do not come with this finnish as standard but an industrial platers will be able to do it for you.

Its also known as black zinc plating

 

Rust, Schmust; that's what I always say!

After you finish washing, drying, and waxing your bike or even just once in a great while, take a Q-Tip with a drop of oil and touch it to them.

In between whenever you do that, it's not like they are gonna rust out.

 

Anyone ever tried parkerizing the black ones? It is not difficult to do and it works pretty good on firearms.

 

Why not use black hot toppers? Seems like a simple and clean solution.

 

I'd clear coat them