Linch Pins (Spring-Leg Retaining Pins) manufactured in A2 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70) are dimensioned to Trade series (linch pin). 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 Linch Pins (Spring-Leg Retaining Pins)
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For linch pins (spring-leg retaining 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 Linch Pins (Spring-Leg Retaining Pins) 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 Linch Pins (Spring-Leg Retaining Pins), 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
Expect the aluminum to corrode, not the fastener — stainless sits higher in the galvanic series, so the aluminum is the one that gives up material. A small fastener in a thick section spreads the loss over a large area and is usually fine; a large fastener in thin sheet concentrates it and is not. Keep water out of the joint, or isolate the two metals with a nylon or coated washer and a sealant.
Sizes of Linch Pins (Spring-Leg Retaining Pins) Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Shank diameter d (mm) | Usable length (mm) | Ring diameter (mm) | Spring leg | Working load (kg) | Material | Finish | Retainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 32 | 25 | Integral wire | 200 | Spring steel | Zinc plated | Integral |
| 8 | 42 | 30 | Integral wire | 350 | Spring steel | Zinc plated | Integral |
| 10 | 50 | 35 | Integral wire | 550 | Spring steel | Zinc plated | Integral |
| 12 | 60 | 40 | Integral wire | 800 | Spring steel | Zinc plated | Integral |
