A2 Stainless Steel Hex Standoffs, Female-Female 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 Hex Standoffs, Female-Female
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For hex standoffs, female-female, 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 hex standoffs, female-female: (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 Hex Standoffs, Female-Female, 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 Hex Standoffs, Female-Female Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Pitch (mm) | Across flats s (mm) | Across corners e (mm) | Length range L (mm) | Thread depth each end (mm) | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2.5 | 0.45 | 5 | 5.8 | 5~40 | 5 | Industry standard |
| M3 | 0.5 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 5~50 | 6 | Industry standard |
| M4 | 0.7 | 7 | 8.1 | 6~60 | 8 | Industry standard |
| M5 | 0.8 | 8 | 9.2 | 8~80 | 10 | Industry standard |
| M6 | 1.0 | 10 | 11.5 | 10~100 | 12 | Industry standard |
| M8 | 1.25 | 13 | 15.0 | 12~100 | 16 | Industry standard |
| M10 | 1.5 | 17 | 19.6 | 15~100 | 20 | Industry standard |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A2 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this standoff & spacer in a grade that is not listed?
A2 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. A non-standard standoff & spacer is quoted from the drawing; where one already exists in the catalog, the special is usually a variation on its tooling. Made by tapping or turning.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
