Our solid 316 Stainless Steel (A4) fully threaded screws aren't just for metal as their technical term of "sheet metal screws" implies and can be used in a variety of materials for strong, corrosion resistant holding power. 

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Phillips Drive Self-Tapping Sheet Metal Screws

Our passivated 316ss self-tapping sheet metal screws are ideal for jobs that will be exposed to corrosive marine environments such as saltwater, and are great for fastening much more than just sheet metal. 

Benefits of our marine grade 316 stainless sheet metal screws include:

• Highly Corrosion Resistant: When working in a marine environment, corrosion is a major concern. Where 18-8 or 304 stainless steel sheet metal screws that are available from the big box stores will start weeping rust within days of being exposed to saltwater, our passivated 316 sheet metal screws will stay corrosion free for much longer.
• Exceptional holding power: Being fully threaded allows for more threads to engage with the wood, metal, plastic, fiberglass, or other substrate that you are fastening to. 
• Available in Flat, Round, or Pan Heads: Whether you need a countersunk (CSK) flat or oval headed screw, or a pan head screw for just the right finishing touch, we carry them in a variety of lengths and diameters.
  

The Difference Between Sheet Metal Screws and Wood Screws

Both of screw can be used in wood, metal, plastics, fiberglass, and more despite their names. The main difference is that sheet metal screws are fully threaded, as opposed to a wood screw which is partially threaded, about 2/3 of the way up the shank. Wood screws are partially threaded in order to draw two pieces of material together when the screw is tightened, as opposed to sheet metal screws which are not meant to draw materials together.

Sheet metal screws work well on boats for fastening hardware such as cleats, chocks, cleats, hawsepipes, rub rails, stanchions, hinges, and more. If fastening stainless steel hardware to either a fiberglass or wood boat they provide extra holding power over a wood screw due to the fact that they are fully threaded.

Our 316l stainless steel sheet metal screws are an excellent choice for marine fastener applications, due to the passivated 316 alloy being highly corrosion resistant. 

What is stainless steel passivation and how does it help keep stainless marine fasteners corrosion free?

Stainless steel passivation is a chemical process that improves the corrosion resistance of our 316 stainless fasteners by removing any traces of iron from the surface of fastener. The process enhances it's natural oxide layer, and helps keep any surface rust from forming for years to come.