Feather (Sliding) Keys manufactured in A2 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70) are dimensioned to DIN 6885 Form B / sliding key practice. The sections below give the mechanical and physical properties of the grade, its behavior in corrosive and elevated-temperature service, and the full size table.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Feather (Sliding) Keys
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For feather (sliding) keys, 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 Feather (Sliding) Keys in indoor and general outdoor service. In chloride-bearing environments (marine air, road salt, swimming pools) consider stepping up to A4 (316).
Comparable Grades
For Feather (Sliding) Keys, 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
The galvanic couple here runs the wrong way: aluminum is the less noble metal, so it corrodes and the fastener does not. What governs the rate is the ratio of areas — a large anode and a small cathode is a tolerable combination, the reverse concentrates the attack into thin material around the hole. An isolating washer plus sealant breaks the circuit; where that is impractical, match the fastener to the substrate.
Sizes of Feather (Sliding) Keys Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Key width b (mm) | Key height h (mm) | Shaft diameter range (mm) | Fixing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 12 u2013 17 | one countersunk screw |
| 6 | 6 | 17 u2013 22 | one countersunk screw |
| 8 | 7 | 22 u2013 30 | two countersunk screws |
| 10 | 8 | 30 u2013 38 | two countersunk screws |
| 12 | 8 | 38 u2013 44 | two countersunk screws |
| 14 | 9 | 44 u2013 50 | two countersunk screws |
| 16 | 10 | 50 u2013 58 | two countersunk screws |
| 18 | 11 | 58 u2013 65 | two countersunk screws |
| 20 | 12 | 65 u2013 75 | two countersunk screws |
