The Fix library
Every guide, sorted into bins
Guides
Straight answers on stainless steel fixings, filed by the question you're trying to answer: which grade, which size, how to fit it and how much to buy.
The parts shelf
Pick a bin
Bin 01
Materials and corrosion
Grades, coastal use, mixing metals
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Stainless Steel A2 vs A4: Which Grade Should You Use?Plain English guide to choosing between A2 (304) and A4 (316) stainless steel fasteners. When marine...
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Marine-Grade Fasteners: A Complete Buying GuideEverything you need to know about A4 (316) marine-grade stainless fasteners. When to use, how to...
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Stainless Steel Screws in Aluminium: Galvanic Corrosion GuideUse stainless screws in aluminium without avoidable galvanic corrosion. Learn when the pairing is safe, when...
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Best Screws for Treated Timber and Decking: Grade and Size GuideChoose stainless screws for treated timber, decking and outdoor structures. A2 vs A4, screw sizes, pilot...
Bin 02
Sizes and standards
Reading sizes, threads and specs
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Metric vs Imperial Fasteners: How to Tell Them ApartHow to tell metric from imperial fasteners, why they never mix, and size charts for UNC,...
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DIN, ISO and BS Standards Explained for FastenersWhat DIN, ISO and BS standards mean for fasteners, and why they matter. Quick reference to...
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Fastener Head and Drive Types: A Visual GlossaryPan, countersunk, button, hex, socket, cup square - what each fastener head type looks like, what...
Bin 03
Fitting and installing
Torque, seizing and pilot holes
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Stainless Steel Bolt Torque Chart: A2-70, A4-70 and A4-80 ExplainedDry tightening torque chart for A2-70, A4-70 and A4-80 metric stainless bolts from M3 to M20,...
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How to Stop Stainless Steel Bolts Seizing: Thread Galling GuidePrevent stainless steel thread galling with clean parts, low speed, correct lubrication and matched torque. Includes...
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Self-Tapping Screw Pilot Hole Size Chart for Aluminium and PlasticChoose a starting pilot hole for 3.5, 4.2 and 4.8 mm stainless self-tapping screws in aluminium...
Bin 04
Buying smart
Packs and quantities
The workbench
Tools for the job
The trade counter
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