A2 Stainless Steel Bicycle Spoke Nipples are supplied to our own published dimensions — this is a trade-series article rather than one covered by a dimensional standard, so confirm the figures against the part you are replacing. The grade provides good general corrosion resistance and is largely non-magnetic; the practical service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Bicycle Spoke Nipples
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For bicycle spoke nipples, 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 |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless bicycle spoke nipples: (1) stainless can gall on stainless threads under load — use a thread lubricant or anti-galling compound, especially for M6 and below; (2) when joined to aluminum or galvanized steel, stainless can drive galvanic corrosion of the less-noble metal in wet service — isolate with a coating or sleeve where appropriate.
Comparable Grades
For Bicycle Spoke Nipples, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). The practical dividing line is chlorides: A2 (304) is fine until salt is involved, and A4 (316) exists for the cases where it is — coastal, marine and road-salt service. Neither reaches the strength of a plated class 8.8 or 10.9 fastener.
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 Bicycle Spoke Nipples Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Form | Length options (mm) | Spoke thread families | Thread lock | Color options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard A | 12 / 14 / 14.5 / 16 | 1.8 / FG 2.0; 2.0 / FG 2.3; 2.34 / FG 2.6 | with or without thread-lock compound | black / blue / gold / green / purple / red / silver / turquoise |
| Standard B | 12 / 14 / 14.5 / 16 | 1.8 / FG 2.0; 2.0 / FG 2.3; 2.34 / FG 2.6 | with or without thread-lock compound | black / blue / gold / green / purple / red / silver / turquoise |
Dimensions are independent of the material: the table above lists the sizes supplied, and on this page every one of them is quoted in A2 Stainless Steel. The catalogue's default material column has been omitted here so it cannot be read as contradicting that.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this screw in a grade that is not listed?
A2 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Thread size and pitch, length, property class, drive form, head geometry and head marking are all specifiable — the standard part is where it starts, not where it stops. Made by cold heading or warm forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
