Thread Galling

The global industrial fasteners market is forecasted to increase by 3.2% from 2022 to 2031. However, learning about the various tools and parts is an ongoing process, so you must constantly learn.

For instance, do you know what thread galling is?

In this thread galling guide, you'll learn about thread galling, its causes, and how to prevent it from happening.

What Is Thread Galling?

To keep it simple, thread galling is the process that refers to the fusion or cold welding of two fasteners. Often, fasteners are used in unison with other fasteners. For instance, bolts and nuts are the most common combination of fasteners.

Thread galling occurs when the high points of the two fasteners rub against each other as the nut threads into the bolt. This leads to the metal becoming too hot, deforming and becoming stuck together.

Once this happens, it can lead to more serious issues and problems.

Even though extracting tools and lubricant can potentially remove the fasteners, it's not ideal and can lead to production problems. Therefore, you want to avoid thread galling as much as possible.

Most fasteners made of steel, aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, or other metals are susceptible to thread galling.

However, there are several reasons that thread galling can occur on bolts and other screws. Here is a list of the most typical places to find thread galling:

  • Damaged threads
  • Quick installation
  • No use of lubricants
  • Dirty threads
  • Poor environmental conditions

Even though every case differs, you can try the same methods to prevent galling.

How to Prevent Thread Galling

When you read any thread galling 101 articles, you'll notice that there's nothing you can do to stop this process entirely. Sometimes, it's out of our control.

But, these tips can help you minimise the risk and ensure that your products and machinery are safe.

Use a Lubricant

Lubricants like anti-seize products are specifically designed for issues like thread galling. When you apply this type of substance, it will reduce friction and take the pressure off the fasteners.

For most lubricants, grease, graphite, copper, calcium, and other elements may work with the metal to ease movement and fastening.

The best time to use the lubricant is when installing nuts and bolts. Care should be taken however not to over tension the joint which could lead to failure.

Reduce Installation Speed

Besides lubricants, another common reason thread galling takes place is when you install nuts and bolts too quickly. Installation always increases friction and heat, which may be detrimental to the fasteners.

Reducing the installation speed may limit the heat exposure and hopefully prevent thread galling from damaging the structure of the screws.

Remove Load Before Tightening

During the tightening process of the nut onto the bolt, you should also remove the load or at least make sure there is minimal load on the assembly.

The increased load will force the threading to tighten and may lead to galling.

Consider Two Different Grades of Metal

You can also consider using two different fastener grades to prevent thread galling. For instance, you can use a combination of soft and hard grades to provide a balance and stop the metal from cold-welding.

The possibility of using different metal grades will depend on your particular situation, but it's worth considering if you have the chance and want to take extra precautions against thread galling.

Check for Damages

A frequent thread galling FAQ is "how do you tell if your fastener threads aren't damaged?" and, thankfully, it's easy to spot when you know what to look for.

If your fastener thread has broken parts, the threads are bent or are soft, it will probably not work correctly, and the damaged part will put more friction on the bolts and nuts and cause thread galling.

The best way to avoid this is to check the parts before using them.

Try Coarse Threading

Compared to fine threads, coarse threads have a larger pitch and can be used in most applications. Therefore, if you can, then it's good to try using coarse threading.

There are fewer turns with coarse threading, which will put this pressure on the screws. So, it's a great option to stop thread galling.

Keep the Environment Controlled

Finally, an expert tip is to keep the fasteners in a cold environment. If you constantly leave these parts in the sun, where they get total heat exposure, the steel expands and which could lead to thread galling.

You should be cautious about the environment and monitor the temperature.

With the right tools, you shouldn't have issues with thread galling. At Konnect Fastening Systems, we take pride in selling a range of the best fasteners on the market.

You can see for yourself here.

Buy Fasteners That Are Made to Last

Nowadays, the world is producing mass products, but that doesn't mean the quality is improving. Finding a manufacturer of industrial products like fasteners that you can rely on is almost impossible.

But that's where we come in.

Not only do we give you solutions to thread galling, but we sell high-quality fasteners that arrive in perfect condition. So, you won't need to check for damages.

If you're interested in hearing more about our products and what we offer, visit our website and get in touch with the team.

We're looking forward to hearing from you.