GL: Brass vs. Stainless Steel

[Albin43SDtr]

'Lo Gaither and All,

Brass/bronze and stainless will react somewhat in a saltwater 
environment. Having said that, there usually is no problem, 
especially if the saltwater is kept away from the junction between 
the two metals, such as by using anti-seize compound or RTV.  (Best 
if RTV is placed only on the un-threaded part of the bolt. Anti-seize 
compound goes everywhere anyway ;) so you will probably end up with 
the bolt totally covered.....not a problem.)

Three thoughts on anti-seize compound:

1. It is extremely messy, so don't get even a little anywhere that 
you don't want it. It is usually quite difficult to remove completely 
and can be picked up on most anything and "tracked" everywhere. Wipe 
any off your hands if you get it on them (cleaner is handy).

2. Anti-seize is quite slippery, so be very careful not to 
over-tighten the bolts. It is easy to strip brass/bronze threads with 
a SS bolt in the first place, and much easier with an anti-seize 
compound. I would highly recommend using a torque wrench to tighten 
the bolts to absolutely no more than the specified torque. Again, 
remember that the compound is slippery and even with a torque wrench 
it is possible to over-torque the bolts and strip the brass/bronze 
threads, especially if they have already been damaged. Many bolts 
have "lubricated and non-lubricated" torque specifications.

3. A properly installed Heli-Coil insert cures many of the problems 
induced as described above. :) Yup, been there and done that, too.


Take care and be safe.

Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin43 Sundeck