For dowel pins 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 Dowel Pins
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For dowel pins, 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 Dowel Pins 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 dowel pins 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 in the presence of an electrolyte — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. The effect is driven by the area ratio: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, while a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint is wet, isolate the two metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.
Sizes of Dowel Pins Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Nominal diameter (mm) | Diameter tolerance | Common length range (mm) | Material | Hardness | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | h6 | 4~10 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 1.2 | h6 | 4~12 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 1.5 | h6 | 4~16 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 2.0 | h6 | 6~20 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 2.5 | h6 | 6~24 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 3.0 | h6 | 8~30 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 4.0 | h6 | 8~40 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 5.0 | h6 | 10~50 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 6.0 | h6 | 12~60 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 8.0 | h6 | 16~80 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 10.0 | h6 | 20~100 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 12.0 | h6 | 25~120 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 16.0 | h6 | 30~160 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 20.0 | h6 | 35~200 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 25.0 | h6 | 45~200 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 30.0 | h6 | 50~200 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 40.0 | h6 | 60~200 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |
| 50.0 | h6 | 80~200 | Alloy steel | Hardened | ISO 8734 / DIN 6325 | Both ends chamfered, precision fit |

