Not all fasteners are interchangeable. This article compares 12.9 grade high-tensile steel and stainless steel fasteners — examining tensile strength, corrosion resistance, coating options, and the practical risks of substituting one for the other in structural and load-bearing applications.

Threading into stainless is doable, but it’s not like tapping into pine or even aluminium. You’ve got to respect the material — otherwise, it’ll chew up your tap and leave you with a half-threaded hole and a fresh reason to go to the pub early.

Alright, let’s start with the basics — what actually is the difference between stainless steel and galvanised steel?

Let’s be honest — most DIY disasters don’t start with a sledgehammer. They start with a fastener. Or more accurately, the wrong fastener.

You’ve built the deck. You’ve oiled the timber. You’ve stood back, beer in hand, and admired your handiwork. But before you declare it finished, there’s one more job that deserves your full attention: the balustrade.

Let’s talk about where marine-grade fasteners belong *off* the water — right in your garage, and more importantly, all over your rig.

If you're tackling a restoration — whether it’s a Holden Monaro, a Mini Cooper, or a crusty old FJ that’s seen better decades — here’s why you need to match your fasteners to the era.

Ever wondered why one bolt holds steady for decades, while another loosens faster than a bloke’s grip on Dry July? It’s not magic — it’s science.

Whether you're building a deck, fixing a boat trailer, or trying to stop your shed door falling off again, the fasteners you use matter.

If you’ve spent more than ten minutes near saltwater with a tackle box in hand, you already know this: the ocean is not kind to anything made of inferior metal.