Material specification page for u-bolts in A2 Stainless Steel. Covers the grade designation (ISO 3506 group A2 (304 / 1.4301), commonly supplied A2-70), corrosion and magnetic behavior, comparable grades and their trade-offs, and the sizes available to Industry standard.
Why Choose A2 Stainless Steel for U-Bolts
The most common stainless group for indoor and general outdoor fasteners. For u-bolts, 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 U-Bolts 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 U-Bolts, 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.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Stainless steel is more noble than aluminum, so in the presence of an electrolyte — rain, condensation, salt spray — the aluminum becomes the anode and corrodes at the joint. The effect is driven by the area ratio: a small stainless fastener in a large aluminum section is normally acceptable, while a large stainless fastener in thin aluminum is not. Where the joint is wet, isolate the two metals with a coated or nylon washer and a sealant, or specify an aluminum or coated fastener instead.
Sizes of U-Bolts Available in A2 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Pitch (mm) | Inside width A (mm) | Inside height / leg length B (mm) | Pipe size ref | Thread length (mm) | Reference standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | 1.0 | 27 | 60 | 3/4 in | 25 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M8 | 1.25 | 34 | 75 | 1 in | 30 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M8 | 1.25 | 43 | 90 | 1-1/4 in | 30 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M10 | 1.5 | 49 | 110 | 1-1/2 in | 35 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M10 | 1.5 | 62 | 120 | 2 in | 35 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M12 | 1.75 | 77 | 140 | 2-1/2 in | 40 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M12 | 1.75 | 90 | 160 | 3 in | 40 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M16 | 2.0 | 115 | 200 | 4 in | 50 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M16 | 2.0 | 140 | 220 | 5 in | 50 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
| M20 | 2.5 | 168 | 260 | 6 in | 60 | Industry standard | Round-bend U-bolt with 2 nuts |
