A2 Stainless Steel Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws 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 Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For inch slotted shoulder screws, 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 inch slotted shoulder screws: (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 Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). A2 (304) covers general indoor and outdoor service. A4 (316) adds molybdenum, which is what buys the chloride resistance for marine and de-icing-salt exposure. Where strength matters more than corrosion, plated alloy steel in class 8.8 or 10.9 is the swap to make.
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 Inch Slotted Shoulder Screws Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Shoulder diameter (in) | Thread options | Shoulder length (in) | Slot width (in) | Slot depth (in) | Material options | Thread class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | #4-40 / #6-32 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |
| 1/4 | #8-32 / #10-24 / #10-32 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |
| 3/8 | 1/4-20 / 5/16-18 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |
| 1/2 | 3/8-16 | 1/8~1-1/2 | 0.047~0.094 | 0.062~0.109 | 303 or 416 stainless / alloy steel / brass | 2A |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A2 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this bolt 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 hot forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
