Can Stainless Steel Chains Get Wet and Other Common FAQs
Can You Get Stainless Steel Chains Wet?
Yes, you can get stainless steel chains wet. In fact, they’re often used to lift submersible pumps, or in marine rigging applications thanks to their chemical makeup. Stainless steel is incredibly resistant to water, so as long as it is dried thoroughly, it’s a great choice for these applications as safety will not be affected by wet conditions.
How to Cut a Steel Chain
Most steel chains can be cut with appropriately sized bolt cutters. A pair of bolt cutters that are 24 inches long should be enough to cut most chains.
You should make a mark on the link you wish to cut and position the bolt cutters on the link. Press down with force, and you will find that the link has been cut. If you have a larger chain, you may only be able to break one side of the link at a time, whereas with a smaller chain, you may be able to cut through both sides at once.
If you don’t have a bolt cutter, there are some other methods of cutting steel chains, though their effectiveness depends entirely on the thickness of the chain. You could also try to use:
- A hacksaw
- A metal grinder, such as an angle grinder
- A reciprocating saw
- A coping saw
Do Steel Chains Rust?
Generally, stainless steel doesn’t tend to rust. The material is an alloy containing chromium, and this reacts with oxygen in the air to create a protective layer over the metal. This layer makes the steel highly resistant to corrosion and rust.
However, the name tells you everything you need to know – it is called ‘stainless’ steel as opposed to ‘stain-free’ steel. Some alloys of stainless steel are more prone to rust and corrosion, and usually these have a higher chromium content.
In summary, stainless steel is highly effective against this type of weathering, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and giving it a longer lifespan than many other metals. However, it is not a guarantee it will remain rust free forever, and this process may happen quicker depending on the exact combination of elements in the alloy.
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