Stainless hardware vs chrome
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
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From: Edmond Oklahoma
Stainless hardware vs chrome
Hi All
I'm slowly starting to replace old hardware with new shinny hardware. I've been spending a lot time (and money) at Ace and I'm finding stainless steel is cheaper, but doesn't quite look as polished as the expensive chrome.
Is some stainless hardware more polished than Ace stainless hardware? And is some chrome better quality that other chrome hardware?
I have seen some kits to replace the hardware on bikes in both chrome and stainless. Is that stainless as polished as the chrome in those kits and are kits a more economical way to go in the long run?
Just trying to learn from you experienced guys, thanks.
Beary
I'm slowly starting to replace old hardware with new shinny hardware. I've been spending a lot time (and money) at Ace and I'm finding stainless steel is cheaper, but doesn't quite look as polished as the expensive chrome.
Is some stainless hardware more polished than Ace stainless hardware? And is some chrome better quality that other chrome hardware?
I have seen some kits to replace the hardware on bikes in both chrome and stainless. Is that stainless as polished as the chrome in those kits and are kits a more economical way to go in the long run?
Just trying to learn from you experienced guys, thanks.
Beary
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,321
Likes: 56,882
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-i...materials.aspx
http://www.howjunction.com/what-meta...teners-be.html
Gardner Westcott is a good source for fasteners too
http://www.howjunction.com/what-meta...teners-be.html
Gardner Westcott is a good source for fasteners too
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,096
Likes: 4,673
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
Chrome or stainless, be careful about strength; lot of both are "pretty" but shear easily. Not so important with some of the smaller stuff, but I want grade 8 for anything holding suspension parts, foot pegs, engine - most of the major fasteners. Some of the smaller soft screws/bolts, like those holding primary cases, might strip even using a torque wrench at the right setting if they're cheap Chinese imports. Ace stainless seems to be decent, probably good enough for case screws, but I wouldn't use them on something like brake rotors. I don't know what grade they have in chrome plated, but if it's grade 2, I wouldn't use it for anything on a bike. You can get cap sets to "chrome" your bolt heads, much safer on the big stuff.
I'm using Ace stainless to replace a bunch of bolts on an old Ural I picked up last year. That Russian hardware is so soft a lot of it was bent from sideways pressure. Sticking with grade 8 for the suspension parts, though.
I'm using Ace stainless to replace a bunch of bolts on an old Ural I picked up last year. That Russian hardware is so soft a lot of it was bent from sideways pressure. Sticking with grade 8 for the suspension parts, though.
Last edited by Imold; Jan 21, 2015 at 10:06 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 26
From: Florida
The information above concerning "grade" is super important. I've heard many people complain about the "ugly" hardware Harley uses but for us more practical folks, not looking so shiny is not as big deal as holding together and getting the job done. I've also found after over 60K miles that there is a lot less dealing with corrosion with the stock Harley stuff...or anything similar. I think it's ironic when I see a scoot that's had lots of its nuts and bolts swapped out for what I am sure was costly chrome stuff and almost all of it has ugly rust.
All that said, I've used both stainless and chrome stuff from ACE with no issues. Most of it has been in lighter applications such as headlight hardware, air cleaner hardware, etc. One of the local ACE stores in my area carries a third option which is polished stainless which pretty much looks like chrome. They are pricey, especially once you start getting into anything of any size. Again, I use this stuff sparingly simply because I need to make sure that I am not compromising on strength in certain applications. Stainless stuff has been pretty much trouble free and worth the price of admission. The chrome stuff (like any chrome hardware) requires special attention in order to keep it showing nicely. The most important thing for me is to use the right tool to tighten a chrome bolt or nut and being careful not to gouge things up when torquing them down. I also always treat my chrome hardware with S100 Corrosion prevention. If you've never used this stuff you should get it. Harley carries it as well as any decent cycle shop. It's a clear spray that you apply and let dry then polish off. It's pretty much invisible but it does a great job at keeping rust at bay.
All that said, I've used both stainless and chrome stuff from ACE with no issues. Most of it has been in lighter applications such as headlight hardware, air cleaner hardware, etc. One of the local ACE stores in my area carries a third option which is polished stainless which pretty much looks like chrome. They are pricey, especially once you start getting into anything of any size. Again, I use this stuff sparingly simply because I need to make sure that I am not compromising on strength in certain applications. Stainless stuff has been pretty much trouble free and worth the price of admission. The chrome stuff (like any chrome hardware) requires special attention in order to keep it showing nicely. The most important thing for me is to use the right tool to tighten a chrome bolt or nut and being careful not to gouge things up when torquing them down. I also always treat my chrome hardware with S100 Corrosion prevention. If you've never used this stuff you should get it. Harley carries it as well as any decent cycle shop. It's a clear spray that you apply and let dry then polish off. It's pretty much invisible but it does a great job at keeping rust at bay.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: North Carolina
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2010
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alloyboltz
I'm with cpc on using alloyboltz hardware. It's grade 8 or better rated and I've used their kits on two builds. They've treated me right both builds. They're not cheap but high quality and there is two polish levels to suit your fancy.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,938
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From: North Florida
You can get your supplies at Home depot or I use this place.
http://www.tarheelparts.com/
Great people to deal with.
You can use a grinder just take off the grinding wheel and make sure you use the buffing compound.
Sorry for the quality of the pict.
Not polished button left, polished middle, not polished socket.
Last edited by Harleycruiser; Jan 21, 2015 at 07:52 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: Montreal
I can vouch to that .....organised and well labelled kits .....good quality .....never had an issue using stainless fasteners.....had them on my 280hp turbo gsxr .... calipers / sprocket / engine covers / master cylinders etc.....both my night trains and all the other streetfighters I built.....never had a bolt failure .
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Thanks all for your input, it's all good. I will check out the suggested venders.
I just wish I could find somebody local because sometimes I change my mind. I drove to Ace 5 times before I got it right.
I changed my front lowers from the extended lowers the previous owner had back to a chrome version of stock. I used chrome bolts with stainless nuts because the nuts are behind the frame. I guess I'm a little concerned about the strength of the bolts I used because the lowers hold my feet as well as the bike on the jiffy stand.
Thanks for all the help, I can ask better questions now and know the right people to ask. I will try the polishing idea, I have access to a polishing wheel on a grinder.
As for going chrome, I typically don't go crazy with it, I didn't do it on my other Harleys. But I got this Evo to be my intown ride that won't get a lot of miles. The bike's in pretty good shape, but the hardware does show age and 33,000 miles, so I will change it out anyway. I just decided this bike would be my "make it yours" bike, so I'm having some fun.
Beary
I just wish I could find somebody local because sometimes I change my mind. I drove to Ace 5 times before I got it right.
I changed my front lowers from the extended lowers the previous owner had back to a chrome version of stock. I used chrome bolts with stainless nuts because the nuts are behind the frame. I guess I'm a little concerned about the strength of the bolts I used because the lowers hold my feet as well as the bike on the jiffy stand.
Thanks for all the help, I can ask better questions now and know the right people to ask. I will try the polishing idea, I have access to a polishing wheel on a grinder.
As for going chrome, I typically don't go crazy with it, I didn't do it on my other Harleys. But I got this Evo to be my intown ride that won't get a lot of miles. The bike's in pretty good shape, but the hardware does show age and 33,000 miles, so I will change it out anyway. I just decided this bike would be my "make it yours" bike, so I'm having some fun.
Beary
Last edited by beary; Jan 22, 2015 at 08:38 AM.