Getting ready to finally Fab my front bumper and wanted some opinions on the mounting bolts. I'm considering stainless hardware but in terms of strength was wondering if they will be comparable to Grade 5/8. Thanks in advance.

Andy

 

Bumpity Bump

 

I wouldn't do Stainless. I'm the kind of guy that makes everything able to withstand a tornado and I have found that the stainless ones are nowhere near strong enough for most applications.

I would just go with your standard Grade 8 or even Grade 10.9 if you can find them near you (there is a Tractor shop around here that has them, sometimes).

But Grade 8 will be PLENTY strong and they are readily available at any Lowe's, Home Depot or Tractor Supply Co.

Hope that helped.

Fink

 

Yep, stainless is usually about equal to Grade 2 (basic 70K psi mild steel) unless you can source some high grade ($$$) hardware. Use some good plated hardware, liberally coat w/ anti-sieze compound and it should hold up fine.

 

If you have a Tractor Supply Co. near you they have good prices on all sorts of Grade 8 hardware...it's like $3/lb

Lowe's has Grade 8 stuff too but it can get up to like $2 per bolt depending on how big you need...either way it's worth it.

Fink

 

Thanks for the reply. Grade 8 it is.