mark in ny 27 #1 Posted September 15, 2020 Im currently putting back together a 1984 c145 that I've completely torn down. Now I face the dilema of which hardware to use. I was in lowes and almost picked up all stainless for the hitches and steering assembly. I've always seen them snap easier than the yellow bolts. Any suggestions. I like the thought of stainless because it will have a blower or plow on it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,274 #2 Posted September 15, 2020 I use grade eight in all of the replacement bolts that we use now. Here's why... There are three predominant grades of standard non-metric thread bolts. Grade two, grade five, grade eight. Stainless Hardware should be right around the same hardness as grade five but I've had several experiences over the years that have shown me stainless steel was not as strong. Last year I found a supplier online that will sell grade eight zinc coated bolts for just about the same price as grade five. Corrosion resistance of grade eight is not as good as stainless of course but the strength is vastly different. I could look up that supplier later if you were interested. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kwalshy 229 #3 Posted September 15, 2020 Grade 8 for the locations that are load bearing/structural/frame/attachment points Stainless for all the other locations 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,168 #4 Posted September 15, 2020 Grade 8 here also ----- I get all my conventional hardware (bolts,nuts, washers, etc) at TSC. I like the way they handle your purchases in that area - by the pound, If I need 10 of one size and 20 of another and the nuts to match you can just throw the mix in a bag and they'll weigh it and its all the same price. For other less conventional hardware I have an large store that will have most any odd ball piece you can imagine - I needed 4 12" 3/8 bolt in grade 8 and they had that. The down side is they are some 25 miles from me! The little bit of stainless I buy doesnt impress me, a lot of it must be in the category of so much of many other things and probably imported, and tends to start rusting much to quickly. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #5 Posted September 15, 2020 Tractor supply is the best for hardware, just fill up the bag and weigh it 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pollack Pete 2,273 #6 Posted September 15, 2020 I don't like stainless hardware at all.I've found them to break easily and if you gall the threads,forget about getting them apart.I buy all my grade 5 and grade 8 as well as metric on line at boltdepot.com.They sell in onesys and twosys as well as bulk quantities. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #7 Posted September 15, 2020 7 minutes ago, Pollack Pete said: I don't like stainless hardware at all.I've found them to break easily and if you gall the threads,forget about getting them apart.I buy all my grade 5 and grade 8 as well as metric on line at boltdepot.com.They sell in onesys and twosys as well as bulk quantities. Agreed I rarely use stainless 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,548 #8 Posted September 15, 2020 Personally, I like the zinc coated nuts and bolts. Nice finish and hold a "shine" for a long time. Inexpensive too. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJ Hamner 1,007 #9 Posted September 15, 2020 Grade 8 some stainless. If I can’t find it at Tractor Supply then online with Bolt Depot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kwalshy 229 #10 Posted September 15, 2020 I see some don't have much luck with stainless hardware. There are different grades of stainless and I don't buy mine from the box stores. I never use stainless were i'm worried about tensile forces or potential for shearing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
