[TowerTalk] "stainless steel" corrosion

[Jim Marciniak]

I agree with Lee; I remember two things to look for when looking for SS -

First, good quality stainless is always non-ferrous. If a magnet sticks to
it, it ain't the good stuff.

Second, look for "Medical grade" stainless. If it's medical grade, it will
be non-ferrous, and won't corrode.

I've used SS sinks for photo processing, and the chemicals that have been in
it would corrode any but high-quality stainless - 3+ years of continuous
duty, and never a hint of corrosion.

73,

Jim  N1RUI
-----Original Message-----
From: LEE ROGER WICAL <leewical@lava.net>
To: designserv@ipass.net <designserv@ipass.net>; towertalk@contesting.com
<towertalk@contesting.com>
Cc: leewical@lava.net <leewical@lava.net>
Date: Sunday, October 18, 1998 7:29 PM
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] "stainless steel" corrosion


>
>Lyn:
>
> There are many different grades of SS.
>
> I use an dinosaur method byf using a magnet to weed out the low grade from
>the high grades of SS. However, going to a boat outlet where their SS
>hardware is a higher ship grade seems to be the best way.
> Several years ago, I purchased a Cushcraft R-7 antenna and their SS
>hardware began to rust. I neglected to give it the magnet test. Their
>hardware "rusted" in several weeks. I wrote Cushcraft on the matter that
>they had provided me with a low grade of SS hardware. I was ignored as if I
>knew nothing. Very POOR customer relations.
>That's NOT how to stay in business.
> The SS replacement hardware cost me, but I was happy with the quality and
>results. No rusting. Cushcraft could and should have bought themselves some
>good will, but instead they failed. That company is doomed to failure with
>that work ethic and attitude!
> Cushcraft will NEVER get anymore of my ham moneys.
> Once "burned" shame on them. Burned twice shame on me!
> Both Mosley and KLM I have had no problems! Good bye Mr. Cushcraft. The
>word may just be spreading!
>
>Lee
>
>
>At 09:47 AM 10/18/98 -0400, LYN wrote:
>>
>>Lately I have noticed several comments to the effect that
>>stainless steel clamps, hardware, etc. do not corrode.
>>
>>It is my understanding that stainless steel is only corrosion
>>resistant and that the corrosion resistance depends upon
>>the presence of an oxide film on the surface of the material.
>>This oxide film can be damaged but is normally self-renewing
>>in the presence of oxygen.
>>
>>It is my understanding that if the surface film is covered by
>>water which is trapped against the surface, the oxygen levels
>>can become depleted and corrosion can result.
>>
>>Perhaps there are towertalkians who are able to shed more
>>light on this topic. With just a quick search I found some
>>information at:
>>
>>http://www.chester-jensen.com/stainless.htm
>>
>>If anyone has a quick url for more information, I would like
>>to be informed.
>>
>>Lyn, W4WDN
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
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>


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