I'm looking to attach rollers with stainless steel bearings to aluminum frame doors in a coastal area, where salty air can cause some serious corrosion problems. Previous contractors have used steel screws (maybe zinc plated or even 306 stainless), which led to galvanic corrosion and rusting. To fix this, I plan to dip replacement wheels in paraffin wax. The screws will go through the wheel bearings, coming into contact with stainless or possibly chrome steel, plus the aluminum door frame. They'll also be exposed to salty air temperatures ranging from 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. I need to use elevator bolts with a square neck for clearance between glass and screen doors. I'm considering options like aluminum bolts (hard to find), 316 stainless steel bolts (rare but good for marine conditions), anti-seize compounds, and the paraffin wax dip. What do you suggest to effectively prevent corrosion? Note: I'm not interested in switching to vinyl frames!
5 Answers
In my experience working on boats, rubber or plastic washers work well alongside stainless steel screws, especially for smaller connections. If you really worry about galvanic corrosion for larger setups, brass fasteners are a good alternative, though I’m not sure how easily available they are.
It sounds like you’ve got a tricky situation with different metals interacting. Using nylon washers can help minimize contact, along with marine grease to keep corrosion at bay. Anti-seize can be pretty messy, so use it sparingly! Maintenance might also become a regular thing to keep everything in check.
You might want to look up Monel rivets! They offer fantastic corrosion resistance due to their nickel-copper makeup, which is great in salty conditions. Just keep in mind, they can be quite pricey!
Definitely go with 316 stainless bolts and add some marine grease to the mix. Also, consider coating the rollers with Fluid Film or a similar product for added protection. It works wonders in salty environments!
316 stainless screws with Tef-Gel on the threads have been the go-to for aluminum masted sailboats everywhere. They really help against corrosion!
Yeah, Monel is awesome but definitely not cheap. Worth it for long-term use, though!