Stainless steel screws becoming stuck and immovable due to “galling” or “seizing” is a problem that significantly reduces work efficiency. In this article, we will explain in detail the causes of galling in stainless steel screws, effective prevention methods, and how to deal with them if galling occurs.
Why Stainless-Steel Screws Are Prone to Seizing
Thread seizing is a phenomenon that occurs when frictional heat generated during screw tightening causes the threads to expand, leading the metals to fuse together and seize. If tightening is forced further, the screw may even break.
＜The main reasons stainless steel screws are prone to seizing include>
✓ High coefficient of friction and heat buildup
Stainless steel has a higher coefficient of friction compared to carbon steel, and once frictional heat occurs, it tends to accumulate locally.
✓ High thermal expansion rate
When heated, the male and female threads come into even tighter contact, which promotes galling.
