For ball-lock pins (t-handle) in A2 Stainless Steel, the controlling selection factors are corrosion exposure, strength requirement and service temperature. The grade data for A2 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70) is summarized below together with every size supplied.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Ball-Lock Pins (T-Handle)
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For ball-lock pins (t-handle), this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A2 (304) gives excellent atmospheric and most-water corrosion resistance and is the most common stainless for Ball-Lock Pins (T-Handle) in indoor and general outdoor service. In chloride-bearing environments (marine air, road salt, swimming pools) consider stepping up to A4 (316).
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For stainless ball-lock pins (t-handle) the compatibility question is galvanic rather than galling: joined to aluminum or galvanized steel in wet service, stainless drives corrosion of the less-noble metal. Isolate with a coating, sleeve or non-conductive washer where the joint sees moisture. Note also that stainless is softer than hardened carbon steel, so where the part carries a wear or shear duty, check the load against the grade before substituting.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Stainless steel is more noble than aluminum, so with an electrolyte present — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. Area ratio decides how bad it gets: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint gets wet, isolate the metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.
Sizes of Ball-Lock Pins (T-Handle) Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Shank diameter d (mm) | Usable length (mm) | Handle | Double shear load (kN) | Balls | Shank tolerance | Material | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 20 | T-handle | 5.5 | 2 | h9 | Stainless 1.4305 | Passivated |
| 6 | 30 | T-handle | 8.0 | 2 | h9 | Stainless 1.4305 | Passivated |
| 8 | 40 | T-handle | 14.5 | 2 | h9 | Stainless 1.4305 | Passivated |
| 10 | 50 | T-handle | 23.0 | 2 | h9 | Stainless 1.4305 | Passivated |
| 12 | 60 | T-handle | 33.0 | 2 | h9 | Stainless 1.4305 | Passivated |
| 16 | 80 | T-handle | 59.0 | 2 | h9 | Stainless 1.4305 | Passivated |
