A4 Stainless Steel Decking Screws, Stainless are supplied to Trade series (decking screw). The grade provides superior, including marine and chloride environments and is largely non-magnetic; the practical service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint. Property data, grade comparison and the full size table follow.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Decking Screws, Stainless
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For decking screws, stainless, 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 Decking Screws, Stainless in marine, coastal, swimming-pool or food-processing environments, A4 is the default selection.
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
Two important notes for stainless decking screws, stainless: (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.
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 Decking Screws, Stainless Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Nominal diameter (mm) | Head type | Drive | Thread form | Material | Suitable timber | Common length range (mm) | Pilot hole (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | Countersunk trim | TX20 | Twin thread + reverse thread | A2 stainless | Softwood, treated pine | 40~60 | 2.5 |
| 4.5 | Countersunk trim | TX20 | Twin thread + reverse thread | A2 stainless | Softwood, treated pine | 50~70 | 3.0 |
| 5.0 | Countersunk trim | TX25 | Twin thread + reverse thread | A4 stainless | Oak, hardwood, coastal | 50~90 | 3.2 |
| 5.5 | Countersunk trim | TX25 | Twin thread + reverse thread | A4 stainless | Oak, hardwood, coastal | 70~120 | 3.5 |
