Grade of Chrome Hardware
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 302
Likes: 49
From: Gambrill, MD
Grade of Chrome Hardware
Hey Folks,
I'm trying to avoid buying the pre-packaged collections of chrome hardware from folks like Colony and instead source what I need from places like McMaster-Carr, BoltDepot, the Nutty Company, etc, but I'm finding with very few exceptions that no one says what the grade of the hardware is. I did find one supplier, Industrial Depot, that clearly indicated if the hardware was Grade 5 or Grade 8, but they only sold stuff in bags of 10 or more, so that cost added up FAST!
So generally speaking, what is the grade of the "un-graded" hardware for the suppliers out there? Most places don't even tell you if it's 18-8 stainless or carbon steel.
Thanks!
-Dave
I'm trying to avoid buying the pre-packaged collections of chrome hardware from folks like Colony and instead source what I need from places like McMaster-Carr, BoltDepot, the Nutty Company, etc, but I'm finding with very few exceptions that no one says what the grade of the hardware is. I did find one supplier, Industrial Depot, that clearly indicated if the hardware was Grade 5 or Grade 8, but they only sold stuff in bags of 10 or more, so that cost added up FAST!
So generally speaking, what is the grade of the "un-graded" hardware for the suppliers out there? Most places don't even tell you if it's 18-8 stainless or carbon steel.
Thanks!
-Dave
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
Hex HD screws have lines in the heads indicating the grade. No lines is grade 2. 3 lines is grade 5. 6 lines are grade 8. Socket cap screws are 8 or higher. This only applies to certified hardware sold by reputable companies. Anything from china which there is a ton of out there can be anything.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 302
Likes: 49
From: Gambrill, MD
Hex HD screws have lines in the heads indicating the grade. No lines is grade 2. 3 lines is grade 5. 6 lines are grade 8. Socket cap screws are 8 or higher. This only applies to certified hardware sold by reputable companies. Anything from china which there is a ton of out there can be anything.
Determining the origin of the hardware, however, ain't easy either. I really like Bolt Depot. Their website's easy to use, and you're not locked into quantities, but I'm not positive of the material/grade.
-Dave
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I just looked over their site and I would bet they are legit. They are similar to a fastenal. The Socket head cap screws should all be above grade 8. Sockets are also seldom faked unlike the button head cap screws can be from the big box stores. The only thing about chrome fasternes is that they are relieved of hydrogen embrittlement. Shouldn't be an issue for a reputable company.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
Likes: 7,640
From: Poolville
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 302
Likes: 49
From: Gambrill, MD
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,576
Likes: 7,953
From: Long Island, New York
FYI, I never had a problem with hardware form Colony, everything always seems to be well made and meets the application.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
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From: Upstate New York
Yeah, I should have been more clear. I was asking about the socket cap fasteners because they lack the line markings of the hex heads. Thanks!
Determining the origin of the hardware, however, ain't easy either. I really like Bolt Depot. Their website's easy to use, and you're not locked into quantities, but I'm not positive of the material/grade.
-Dave
Determining the origin of the hardware, however, ain't easy either. I really like Bolt Depot. Their website's easy to use, and you're not locked into quantities, but I'm not positive of the material/grade.
-Dave
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From: Upstate New York
Only problem I ever had with Colony was their footboard mounting bolts. The included nuts didnt match the bolt threads, so I had to buy the matching Nylock nuts from-you guessed it-Bolt Depot.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
Hex HD screws have lines in the heads indicating the grade. No lines is grade 2. 3 lines is grade 5. 6 lines are grade 8. Socket cap screws are 8 or higher. This only applies to certified hardware sold by reputable companies. Anything from china which there is a ton of out there can be anything.
Most chrome bolts have the markings polished away...