Solution
Material and Finish Selection for Rigging Hardware
Choosing between 304 316 aluminium and carbon steel before you order
Almost every complaint that reaches a hardware importer is a material or finish decision made months earlier. This is how the four material families in the Honke range behave and where each one belongs.
The Route
Stage by Stage
Nothing here is assumed. What we cannot read off a sample is confirmed with you in writing.
- 01
304 stainless steel
General purpose. Good corrosion resistance indoors and in inland outdoor use. The default grade for hardware channel and general rigging.
- 02
316 stainless steel
Contains molybdenum, which resists chloride pitting far better. The grade to specify for sea water, spray, coastal air and pool areas.
- 03
Aluminium
Roughly a third of the weight of steel and takes anodised colour. Used for carabiners, bag hardware and promotional items, never for life safety.
- 04
Carbon steel
The price led option for shackles, eye bolts, clips and thimbles. Needs a protective finish and is not suitable for permanent salt exposure.
- 05
Polishing
Mechanical finish on stainless. Nothing sits on top of the metal so there is no coating to chip or flake.
- 06
Hot dip galvanising
Thick zinc layer for outdoor carbon steel. Rough in appearance but the longest lasting protection on carbon parts.
- 07
Zinc plating
Thin bright coating for indoor and dry use. Cost effective but not a marine finish.
- 08
Anodising
Converted oxide layer on aluminium that carries colour inside the surface rather than on top of it.
Process Flow
The Same Route Shown As a Line
Related
Other Solutions and Ranges
FAQ
Material and Finish Selection Questions
Is 316 always the right choice for boats
For parts permanently exposed to salt water and spray, yes. Interior fittings and trailer hardware are often specified in 304 to control cost.
Will stainless steel rust
Stainless can show surface tea staining, particularly where iron particles are picked up during transport or installation. It cleans off and is not structural corrosion.
Can I mix stainless and galvanised parts
It is common but the two metals can react where the joint stays wet or salty. In permanently wet assemblies, keep the materials the same.
Which finishes can you supply
Polishing, hot dip galvanising, zinc plating and anodised colour, depending on the part and the base material.
Next Step
Send Us What You Have
A drawing, a photo or the part in the post. We work from any of them and confirm back in writing what we have measured.