homecorrosion information ELECTRO-GALVANIZED Nails are submerged into an electrolytic solution where an electrical current coats them with a thin layer of zinc. However, after prolonged exposure to the elements, the thin layer of zinc oxidizes leaving nails subject to normal rusting and staining. MECHANICAL GALVANIZED Also known as "peen-plated" or "golden-galvanized". Cold nails are placed in a barrel and spun through a mixture of zinc dust, tiny glass "BB's" and an activator fluid. The glass BB's serve to hammer or peen the zinc dust onto the nails as the barrel revolves. Although this type of galvanization is better than the aforementioned, the coating may be broken or chipped off during use, thereby exposing the original fastener to the elements and subjecting it to normal corrosion and staining. HOT GALVANIZED These are not to be confused with hot-dipped galvanized nails. In this process, cold nails are placed in a barrel and dusted with zinc pieces. The barrel is rotated through a hot furnace, which melts and distributes the zinc. As the zinc melts, it washes off the nails creating some with heavy coatings and others with lighter coatings unevenly throughout the barrel. HOT-DIPPED GALVANIZED Nails are dipped into a vat of molten zinc, which provides the best form of galvanization. Nails are completely and evenly covered providing the thickest layer of zinc coating and creating an inner layer of zinc-steel alloy. Meets specifications for ACQ and other pressure treated lumber. All of our hot-dipped collated fasteners meet or exceed ASTM A153 standard for hot-dipped galvanized. An independent laboratory test was done to measure the amount of zinc on our nails. The plastic strip framing nail (3-1/2" x .131" hot-dipped galvanized) weighed in at 1.78 ounces per foot squared, exceeding he ASTM requirement of 1 ounce per foot squared. AISI 304 GRADE STAINLESS STEEL Stainless steel is a metal alloy that in and of itself is corrosion resistant without the addition of any chemical coatings. It provides superior protection to even hot-dipped galvanized and will sustain a longer life than any of the above-mentioned fasteners. It will not bleed into cedar or redwood. Meets specifications for ACQ and other pressure treated lumber. Our stainless steel variety of collated fasteners meet or exceed the AISI 304 grade standards. Laboratory chemical analysis on the stainless steel used in our fasteners confirmed the element components necessary to be given the grading of AISI 304 stainless steel. When optimum protection is required from the elements rely on the quality STEELHEAD® FASTENERS.