18-8 Stainless Steel vs. Other Stainless Grades
18-8 stainless steel (also called 304 stainless) is the most common grade for fasteners. The name refers to its composition: approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This combination provides excellent corrosion resistance for most indoor and outdoor applications.
Common Stainless Steel Grades
18-8 / 304 Stainless Steel
The general-purpose choice. Good corrosion resistance, non-magnetic, and widely available. Suitable for outdoor construction, food processing equipment, marine hardware above the waterline, and general maintenance. This is the default grade for most of our catalog.
316 Stainless Steel
Contains added molybdenum for superior resistance to saltwater and chemical exposure. Use 316 for marine hardware below the waterline, chemical plants, swimming pool equipment, and coastal installations where 304 may pit or corrode over time. More expensive than 18-8.
410 Stainless Steel
A martensitic grade that can be heat-treated for higher hardness and strength. Less corrosion-resistant than 18-8 or 316, but used where wear resistance and strength matter more — such as self-tapping screws that need to cut into harder materials.
Which Grade Should I Choose?
- General outdoor / indoor use: 18-8 (304) — our default recommendation.
- Marine / saltwater / chemical exposure: 316 for maximum corrosion resistance.
- High-hardness applications: 410 for self-drilling or self-tapping screws.