When buying fasteners, most wonder: Do I use 304 or 316 stainless steel bolts? Answer: It depends on where and how you’re going to be using them. Genuine stainless steel bolt suppliers and manufacturers get asked this question all the time because both are corrosion-resistant and strong, but they act differently under certain conditions. We’ll tell you in plain and simple words so that you can make the correct decision.
The most commonly used are 304 stainless steel bolts. They contain about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which provides them with excellent rust resistance. The suppliers of stainless steel bolts normally recommend them for construction work, food machinery, or furniture. That is, they are the “all-rounders” among stainless steel bolts.
Price is one of the largest reasons to utilize 304. 304 bolts typically cost 15–20% less than 316. If a project has thousands of bolts, the cost savings are considerable. Because of this, most suppliers of stainless steel bolts suggest 304 if the environment is not very demanding.
What makes 316 stand apart is that it has 2–3% molybdenum in the alloy. That little detail makes all the difference—it gives the metal significantly better resistance to chemicals and saltwater. Stainless steel bolt suppliers usually recommend 316 bolts for sea-coast usage, chemical plants, or wherever chlorides are very concentrated.
Tests have shown that 316 bolts will resist corrosion for about twice as long as 304 bolts in chemical or salt environments. Testily, 316 bolts survived over 1000 hours before they started to suffer damage in a salt spray test, while 304 rusted after about 500 hours. Experienced stainless steel bolt manufacturers highlight this difference when safety and durability are at their best.
The first question to ask: Will the bolts be exposed to chemicals, water, or salt? If yes, use 316. Otherwise, 304 will almost always be more than sufficient. The majority of stainless steel bolt producers adhere to this rough guide to help customers.
If the project is extremely huge and price is a concern, 304 could be the ideal choice. But keep in mind that long-term maintenance expense is factored in, then 316 actually costs less in the long term since it has a longer life expectancy. That’s why stainless steel bolt manufacturers always refer to “life-cycle cost,” not cost of acquisition.
No matter what grade you choose, make sure that your supplier is good. Even the best material will not help you much if the bolts are of poor quality. Suppliers such as ONTON ensure proper inspections and approvals so that you can use the bolts without any risk.
Not all bolts are equal. Quality stainless steel bolt suppliers maintain standards of strength and durability in the bolts. For example, an ordinary stainless steel bolt will usually have tensile strength greater than 500 MPa, meaning that it can withstand big loads without snapping. A good supplier like ONTON does not just sell bolts—they provide adequate advice and quality guarantees.
The stainless steel bolt market is rapidly growing. It has been approximated that the global market for stainless steel fasteners has already surpassed USD 8 billion and keeps growing each year. This is the reason the majority of industries believe in stainless steel bolt suppliers who can offer 304 and 316 according to the project.
So, which is better? It’s up to you:
Ultimately, it comes down to environment, budget, and sound advice from reputable stainless steel bolt suppliers. When you have trusted players like ONTON on your side, you can be sure, no matter if you choose 304 or 316, that your project will receive the strength and longevity it needs.