5 Ways To Prevent Thread Galling

Galling is a problem that can occur during a fastener installation, when two surfaces seize together due to the pressure and friction build up. During this process, protective oxides are worn away and cause materials to clog the thread; the increase in pressure in turn leads to the fastener becoming stuck. Once this occurs it is highly difficult to remove the component without cutting the fastener.

There are numerous reasons as to why galling can happen, but luckily there are also some easy steps you can take to avoid this problem.

Taking a slower approach during installation is highly beneficial as it reduces higher temperatures and in turn friction. With friction being a major culprit in galling, it’s a good idea to regulate temperature through a slower installation. You can also achieve this through the use of hand powered tools where possible. 

Through the use of a lubricant, you can protect threads either by applying them during or before assembly. There are numerous anti-seize options on the market which you can purchase to assist with this.

However do bear in mind that this lubricant must compliment your installation. For example if it is in a marine environment, then the accompanying lubricant must be compatible.

Defective or unclean fasteners can increase friction during installation, which leads to a higher likelihood of galling. Before you undergo any assembly work, you should regularly check the fasteners to guarantee there is no visible damage or debris. Plus, purchasing high quality fasteners in the first place can help avoid replacement costs in the long-term.

Galling commonly occurs between two components of the same material, so for this reason it is advisable to choose different materials or even varying hardness to reduce the likelihood of issues. 

Although stainless steel bolts and nuts are known to be susceptible to galling, you can cancel this out by using a different grade of stainless steel. Don’t forget to consider corrosion compatibility when choosing your combination of materials. 

Cold forged fasteners are manufactured for strength and their composition also helps to reduce galling. When threads are cut, they can establish weaknesses due to material grain lines being severed. As cold forged products are formed and not cut, they can diminish this possibility.

If you’re looking for a thread that is less likely to cause galling, choose a component that offers a smoother surface and avoids cut threads. 

Here at Clevtec, we supply cold forged fasteners and components that are manufactured at our plant in Sutton Coldfield with the utmost quality in mind. Our thorough quality management system ensures that you won’t receive a damaged product that could cause galling. 

Alongside this you can customise any fasteners purchased with us by applying different materials, heat treatments and finishes for added strength. 

If you’ve got an installation coming up and want to guarantee a smooth installation with defect-free fasteners and components, then we would be happy be your supplier! Contact us for more details here.