Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings

Stainless steel fittings are made of corrosion-resistant 304 stainless steel for durability and dependability. Suitable for diverse industrial applications such as vibration, high pressure or corrosive conditions. For improved sealing and reduced galling* the manufacturer recommends using both Gray Stainless Steel PTFE Thread Seal Tape and Weld-On White Seal Plus Multi-purpose Pipe Joint Compound.

*Stainless Steel Thread Galling

Thread galling seems to be most common with fittings and fasteners made of stainless steel, aluminum, titanium and other alloys which self-generate an oxide surface for corrosion protection. During tightening, pressure builds up between the thread contact surfaces where the oxides are removed and the metal can shear or lock together. In an extreme case, galling can lead to seizing of the threaded joint. Additional force can break the bolt or fitting. Experts say there are three ways to reduce the chance of threads galling during assembly:

1. By reducing the speed at which the fittings are assembled helps to reduce the friction and heat generated that leads to a higher likelihood of galling occurring.
2. Using thread lubrication will help to reduce galling. Please refer to the Related Products on this page, or click the links below of products available on our website specifically rated for stainless steel fitting assembly.
3. If used together, different grades of stainless steel (304 and 316 are the most common) can reduce galling because each grade has a different hardness and work-harden at different rates.

Products recommended for stainless steel fittings to reduce galling can be found by clicking on the Related Products tab on this page.