Here's a quick breakdown:
- Tensile Strength: Stainless steel screws have decent tensile strength, typically around 70,000 to 100,000 psi for common grades like 304 or 316. That's strong enough for most general-purpose use.
- Corrosion Resistance: Their big win is corrosion resistance. That's why they're often used outdoors, in marine environments, or where rust is a concern.
- Shear Strength: They’re good in shear applications too, but not as strong as hardened steel screws, which are made for heavy-duty structural work.
Compared to other materials:
- Stronger than: brass screws, aluminum screws
- Not as strong as: alloy steel or hardened carbon steel screws (which can be heat-treated for extra strength)
So in summary:
Yes, stainless steel screws are strong — especially for corrosion-resistant, long-lasting applications — but if you're building something structural or load-bearing, you might want to check the grade and possibly go for alloy steel instead.
