Hi Shuanne, this is a great question and an important one if you're dealing with projects where your fasteners are exposed to elements that can cause corrosion, such as humidity, salt water, certain chemicals, or even just the air we breathe.

Corrosion can lead to a loss of material and decrease in load carrying capacity, potentially leading to failure in your projects.

I'll outline some strategies you can use to prevent fastener corrosion, and recommend a few brands for stainless steel fasteners, a popular choice for corrosion resistance.

1. Selecting the Right Material:

Corrosion resistance starts with choosing the right material for your fastener. Stainless steel, as you mentioned, is a popular choice due to its high corrosion resistance. But there are different grades of stainless steel, each offering varying levels of corrosion resistance.

For example, Grade 304 stainless steel is a common choice due to its good corrosion resistance in many environments. Grade 316, however, is more resistant to salt water corrosion, making it a better choice for marine applications.

Aluminum, copper, brass, and bronze fasteners also offer good corrosion resistance, although each comes with its own set of pros and cons.

2. Protective Coatings:

If your fasteners are made of a less corrosion-resistant material, such as plain carbon steel, they can be coated with a protective layer. Zinc, cadmium, and chromium are common coatings.

Zinc coatings (galvanized fasteners) are common and economical, offering decent corrosion protection. Cadmium coatings offer superior protection and good galvanic compatibility with aluminum but are less commonly used due to environmental and health concerns. Chromium coatings (chrome-plated fasteners) offer excellent protection and a nice shiny finish but are more expensive.

3. Maintenance and Inspections:

Routine maintenance and inspections can help catch early signs of corrosion and prevent further damage. Cleaning your fasteners regularly and inspecting for signs of rust or other corrosion can extend their lifespan.

4. Use of Anti-Corrosive Products:

There are various anti-corrosion sprays and products in the market that can be used to coat your fasteners. This forms a thin protective layer that prevents exposure to corrosive elements.

As for stainless steel fastener brands, I can recommend a few based on personal experience and popular reviews:

• Fastenal: A reputable brand known for producing quality stainless steel fasteners. They offer a variety of grades and sizes.

• McMaster-Carr: This company offers a wide range of fasteners, including various grades of stainless steel. Their catalog is extensive and they are known for their quality.

• Grainger: Another well-known brand in the industry, Grainger's stainless steel fasteners are reliable and come in various sizes and grades.

• Albany County Fasteners: Known for their stainless steel fasteners, they provide a wide range of options and sizes. They also offer a good selection of marine-grade stainless steel.

Remember, the right fastener can depend heavily on the specific requirements of your project, including environmental factors, load requirements, and more. I hope this helps!