"Lew Hodgett" writes:


I use strictly 316 for exterior marine applications since 304 and 18-8,
basically the same, will pit rather quickly in the salt air environment
found around a boat.

It sounds like 18-8 is probably the common grade found in hardware stores.

McMaster-Carr tends top be very pricey, but they usually have inventory.

McMaster-Carr isn't expensive compared to a local hardware store.

Don't know what you are doing, but have you thought of bronze?

I am buying some socket cap screws. The black oxide ones will rust even
in just a single light rainfall. I am building something that may
occasionally get used in the rain.

Brian Elfert