Material page for bicycle stem and headset bolts in A4 Stainless Steel (ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80). The sizes below are the ones we supply; there is no published dimensional standard for this article, so the table rather than a standard number is what to quote. Corrosion behaviour is superior, including marine and chloride environments and the service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Bicycle Stem and Headset Bolts
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For bicycle stem and headset bolts, this matters when superior, including marine and chloride environments is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Superior, including marine and chloride environments |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A4 (316) adds 2–3% molybdenum to the A2 (304) composition, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-pitting corrosion. For Bicycle Stem and Headset Bolts in marine, coastal, swimming-pool or food-processing environments, A4 is the default selection.
Comparable Grades
For Bicycle Stem and Headset Bolts, the alternative stainless grade is A2 (304). Choose A2 (304) for general use and A4 (316) wherever chlorides are present; the molybdenum in A4 is the whole difference. Remember that stainless is the corrosion answer, not the strength answer — for load, look at class 8.8 or 10.9 instead.
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 Bicycle Stem and Headset Bolts Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Thread size | Length options (mm) | Typical location | Head / drive | Selection rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5×0.8 | 15 / 16 / 18 | stem faceplate and steerer clamp | socket-cap or tapered socket-cap | stem manufacturer torque and engagement |
| M6×1.0 | 30 / 35 or application-selected | larger stem and mountain-bike hardware / top cap | varies by assembly | headset or stem manufacturer specification |
Dimensions are independent of the material: every size above is available in A4 Stainless Steel.
Custom manufacturing · Made to drawing
Need this bolt in a grade that is not listed?
A4 Stainless Steel is one of the grades the catalog describes. Head form and drive can be specified to the assembly rather than to a standard: a larger bearing face, a security drive, or a socket sized for the tool already on the bench. Made by cold heading or hot forging.
Minimum order from 2,000 pieces; samples within 7 days of drawing approval.
