Depending on the application, steel fasteners may be made from one of several different types of steel. Carbon steel is the most common type of steel used for fasteners. Grades 2, 5, and 8 are the standard, with alloyed carbon steel representing the upper-end of the spectrum. Carbon steel is workable and ductile, with mechanical strengths ranging from 50 ksi to 300 ksi. Typically, steel grade fasteners are grade 2, which is the most affordable type of steel.

The majority of fasteners are made of carbon steel, which is cheap and offers a wide range of strength. There are two main types of steel fasteners: alloy steel and stainless. Alloy steel is a mix of carbon steel with other metals, including chromium, to create an alloy with enhanced strength and ductility. Stainless or 316L is the highest strength alloy, with tensile strengths of up to 150,000 psi.

The most common type of steel fastener is carbon steel, which is the least expensive and possesses a wide range of strength capabilities. However, alloy steels can be heat treated to achieve a wide range of ductility and strength. Alloy steels are used in higher-strength applications, but can also be weak. The most commonly used alloy steel is 304L, which is more resistant to corrosion and wear.

Grade 8 and 304L bolts are the toughest types of steel fasteners. They are a popular choice for use in the marine and outdoor environments. Regardless of their hardness, these types of steel fasteners provide the highest corrosion resistance. If the coating is lost or the steel is exposed to a harsh environment, a 304L bolt will begin to rust and corrode. If the fastener is not protected from these elements, it will corrode.

Alloy steel fasteners are made of a high-strength steel alloy and have a threaded or non-threaded drive. While both types of fasteners are durable, they have different strengths and are often suitable for different applications. When buying a steel fastener, be sure to consider the type of application, the environment, and the project requirements. If it's required for extreme temperatures, try to choose a stainless steel bolt or a titanium one.

Generally, the majority of fasteners are made from carbon steel, which is the least expensive and has the widest range of strength and ductility. Other types of steel fasteners are made of alloy steel, which is a mixture of carbon and other metal additives. Alloy steel is stronger than carbon steel and can be heat-treated to many different combinations of tensile strength. When these are used in industrial settings, they are referred to as stainless steel.

Stainless steel fasteners are available in various sizes and shapes, and are generally manufactured to ISO 9001 and ANSI B18.6.1 standards. Unlike standard hardware, they are often plated. Fortunately, stainless steel fasteners are not prone to galvanic corrosion. The use of stainless steel tools is a good idea to avoid any potential problems. Besides, the use of nylon washers can isolate different metals from each other, which is ideal for a wide range of applications.