Specifying Specialty Nails in A2 Stainless Steel pairs the dimensional form of Specialty Nails (Industry standard) with the engineering properties of A2 Stainless Steel. This page explains when to choose the grade, how it behaves in service, and which grades to compare it against.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for Specialty Nails
The most common stainless grade for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For specialty nails, this matters when good general corrosion resistance is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | A2-70 (304) |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C |
| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance |
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless specialty nails: (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 Specialty Nails, the alternative stainless grade is A4 (316). A2 (304) suits general indoor and outdoor service; A4 (316) adds molybdenum for marine and chloride environments. Where higher strength matters more than corrosion, switch to plated alloy-steel class 8.8 or 10.9.
Sizes of Specialty Nails Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Nail type | Diameter (mm) | Common length range (mm) | Head diameter (mm) | Point form | Application | Reference standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round steel nail | 1.8 | 32~65 | 4.5 | Pointed | General woodworking | DIN 1151 |
| Round steel nail | 2.5 | 45~90 | 6.5 | Pointed | General woodworking | DIN 1151 |
| Round steel nail | 3.1 | 60~120 | 7.5 | Pointed | Structural woodworking | DIN 1151 |
| Round steel nail | 3.8 | 80~150 | 9.5 | Pointed | Structural woodworking | DIN 1151 |
| Spiral nail | 2.5 | 45~90 | 5.5 | Pointed | Pallet / crate | Industry standard |
| Spiral nail | 3.1 | 60~120 | 7.5 | Pointed | Pallet / crate | Industry standard |
| Ring-shank nail | 2.5 | 45~75 | 6.5 | Pointed | Pull-out resistant | DIN 1052 |
| Ring-shank nail | 3.1 | 60~100 | 7.5 | Pointed | Pull-out resistant | DIN 1052 |
| Concrete steel nail | 2.5 | 20~50 | 5.5 | Hardened taper | Concrete / masonry | Industry standard |
| Concrete steel nail | 3.0 | 30~60 | 6.5 | Hardened taper | Concrete / masonry | Industry standard |
| Pneumatic nail | 1.6 | 15~50 | 3.0 | D-head | For nail gun | Industry standard |
| Pneumatic nail | 2.0 | 25~65 | 3.5 | D-head | For nail gun | Industry standard |
| Staple | 1.4 | 10~20 | - | Double-pointed | Cable / hose fixing | Industry standard |
| Staple | 1.8 | 14~25 | - | Double-pointed | Cable / hose fixing | Industry standard |
| Staple | 2.0 | 16~32 | - | Double-pointed | Cable / hose fixing | Industry standard |