Technical Guide
Brass vs Stainless Steel Fasteners
Brass and stainless steel fasteners solve different problems. Both resist corrosion well, but the reasons to pick one over the other come down to conductivity, magnetism, strength, and cost.
Brass vs Stainless Steel at a glance
| Brass | Stainless Steel (A2/A4) | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical conductivity | Good — used in electrical fittings | Poor by comparison |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic | A2/A4 austenitic grades are essentially non-magnetic |
| Relative strength | Lower than steel grades | Higher — comparable to mild/high tensile in some classes |
| Typical environment | Electrical, plumbing, decorative, low-corrosion | Marine, food/pharma, chemical, general corrosion resistance |
When brass makes sense
- Electrical fittings and switchgear, where conductivity and non-sparking behaviour matter
- Plumbing and marine hardware exposed to water but not requiring high mechanical strength
- Decorative or architectural hardware where appearance and corrosion resistance both matter
When stainless steel makes sense
- Higher mechanical load than brass can comfortably carry
- Chloride exposure (marine, coastal, washdown) — see the A2 vs A4 guide for grade selection
- Food, pharmaceutical or chemical-processing equipment where hygiene and corrosion resistance are both required
Kesharia's verified range
Kesharia stocks brass fasteners from M3 to M56 across hex bolts, socket head screws, machine screws and eye bolts, and stainless steel A2/A4 fasteners from M6 to M64 (metric) and 1/4" to 2-1/2" (imperial) — see the categories below for standards and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brass or stainless steel more corrosion-resistant?
Both resist corrosion well in the right environment, but for different reasons. Brass performs well in general low-corrosion and electrical contexts; stainless steel (particularly A4/316) is the better choice specifically for chloride exposure such as marine and coastal environments.
Can brass fasteners be used with stainless steel components?
This depends on the specific environment and should be checked for galvanic compatibility — mixing dissimilar metals in a corrosive or wet environment can accelerate corrosion of one of the metals. Confirm with your engineer for the specific application.
Related Categories
Related Guides
Need These Sizes?
Get a quote based on this guide
Tell us the standard, grade and size — we'll confirm availability and price.