When you’re tasked with purchasing bolts, you might think it’ll be an easy decision. After all, how many options will you have to choose from? They’re all basically the same thing, with the same purpose, right? Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, a lot of factors need to be considered to ensure that you’re choosing the right ones for your specific application. One factor in particular, bolt plating, can make a big difference in the effectiveness, strength, integrity, and longevity of your bolts. Choose the wrong bolt plating option and your fasteners might quickly succumb to corrosion caused by the elements they’re exposed to.  And since corrosion is inevitable when it comes to fasteners, it must be dealt with head on—protection must be a top priority during the manufacturing process.

To get the most out of your bolts—to ensure they work effectively for a long time to come—you must choose a bolt plating option that can properly protect your fasteners from the harsh environment elements. With the right bolt plating your fasteners can stand strong against moisture so they last for the long term, without giving out to rust.

Here are some of the different plating options you’ll need to consider before you begin the design process of your new fasteners.

JS500

If you want an effective and also cost-effective plating option for your bolts, JS500 might be your best bet. This electrolytic zinc coating, with a .0003 inch minimum thickness leached in JS Solution, protects against corrosion but won’t affect the dimensions of your applications. Because it’s so thick, it can cover the majority of the steel blemishes, like gaps and crevices, that pull in moisture and speeds up corrosion.

JS Plus

JS Plus is one of the best bolt plating options on the market right now, and best of all, it won’t break the bank. It can considerably increase your bolts’ longevity by protecting them against even the harshest elements for a long time. In fact, it’s been proven to protect against corrosion for up to 1,500 hours during salt spray testing.

Electroplating/Zinc Coating

Electroplating, which is also commonly known as zinc coating, is a thinner and more aesthetically appealing bolt plating option. It’s applied to fasteners with the use of an electric current. The bolts are first immersed in a zinc-salt solution, and then a current of electricity is applied. This option is ideal for bolts that won’t face extreme elements, such as bolts used indoors. However, it won’t provide the level of protection needed for outdoor applications, because it’s too thin to withstand constant contact with moisture.

Dacromet

If you’re looking for a plating option that can not only offer protection against corrosion but also provide mechanical damage resistance and chemical resistance, then Dacromet might be for you. It’s a water-based, thin, dry film that isn’t electrolytic like zinc plating. It not only boasts passivation and galvanic action, but it’s also self-repairing! You’ll get great protection from the overlapping zinc and aluminum flakes. If you are working on a high-temperature application or you want a plating option that’s paintable, Dacromet will be your best choice.

Talk to Your Manufacturer

Don’t let corrosion ruin the integrity and longevity of your bolts. Fight it with plating. You have many different protection options to choose from and you can find one that is right for your bolts. When you work with a manufacturer that is knowledgeable in corrosion protection, you can talk through the different options and choose one that is best for your application.