Engine mounting bolt kits / stainless hardware question

[illMATTic]

Are the 1/2" bolt kits that Bobs and other companies sell any different than the stainless bolts at Home Depot?

[DanielC]

Probably they are.
Here is a little secret. The element chromium is used in ferrous alloy to reduce the tendency to rust. Chromium is expensive.
Carbon is used in ferrous alloy to increase the strength, but it increases the tendency to rust. So, to make inexpensive stainless steel, you take the carbon out of it, and you reduce the amount of expensive chromium you need to rustproof it.
You also reduce the strength of the alloy. Do not use Home Depot stainless bolts for anything critical.
Have you checked if there is a bolt supply business in your town? If you find a good one, you can specify the type of metal, and the grade of hardness (strength) of the bolts.

[illMATTic]

Thanks. It makes sense. The last set of stainless Home Depot bolts I did start to tarnish a bit but never fully rusted.

[flabum1017]

Stainless is just that.....Stain - Less. All hardware will be affected bt the elements, especially in salt water.