Date:         Tue, 3 Jun 2008 12:19:35 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
Subject:      Stainless in your Vanagon?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

  That about not using a stainless bolt in the motor or the complicated
mechanical systems because of it's lack of magnetic response:  Good
thinking.

  If you are doing anything that will be exposed to the weather, DO use
stainless if you can.  Like stainless sheet metal screws and bolts on
outside stuff like racks, etc.  When you are building a cabinet or a bunk or
whatever, stainless wood screws are much stronger than the normal shi++y
screws you can get at home despot, too.  Nothing more irritating than to do
a bunch of fine work and then break off a screw when you are trying to
install it.. Stainless screws break seldom.

  If you are doing a bracket, a brace or something else that needs strength
and corrosion resistance..stainless works good and contrary to what Scott
has found, it is about as easy to work with as regular steel, except you
don't have to paint it..I like the stuff, but then I worked for a while
building boats and I am familiar with it..  Another hint for working on
screw-fastened projects..try the Roberts head (square drive) style screws
like our Canadian pals use...less prone to stripping and you can stick them
onto the driver bit and move that around with the screw right on it..handy.

  Don Hanson