Steel Choice Considerations for Thumb stud Screws

K

katguy

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Aug 19, 2024
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Hello,

I am adding custom thumb stud screws to some folding blades. I am using stainless steel machine screws and I believe those are safe for all blade steels, but I wanted to ask here. Are stainless steel machine screws safe for all blade steels? The screws will be in contact with the blade.

I believe that zinc platted screws are safe for stainless blades as well, but I am not certain about that. Are zinc plated screws safe to use on stainless steel blades?

I am mostly dealing with 3V, 20CV, AUS8/10 and 1095 steels.

I want to limit or prevent any corrosion between the screws and the blade. Any advice would be appreciated!
 
Electrolytic corrosion is not a concern with blades. Any metal will work.
That said, I use stainless steel screws. Usually, flat head 2-56 or 4-40.
 
Last edited:
K katguy I'll add that zinc plated fasteners do not typically fall in to the "precision" category. The coatings can vary by batch...not the best option for folders. I would stick with stainless steel as Stacy mentions. No issues with corrosion and you can find them in almost any configuration and reasonably priced. It's hard to talk me out of stainless fasteners on folders :)

Best,
John
 
OK, I only got zinc platted machine screws 6/32 because they were black and I have some black blades. I'll try to find black stainless screws or just use plain stainless.

Thank you both for the advice!
 
Check out knifekits dot com

They have all sorts of screws and thumb studs.

Zoro also carries black oxide coated screws. 1/4", 2-56 button head (cap screw) torx screws in black oxide are $2.75 for 100 screws. They should work great for thumb studs.
 
Try this site monsterbolts for a decent selection of button head screws. They have alloy with black oxide finish as well as 18-8 (305) SS
 
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