stainless hardware for batteries [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Lafferty]

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Keith,

I hate to offer a "duh" suggestion, but did the client change these hardware
components him/herself?  An in-law maybe?  Friend of a buddy's ex-wife's
cousin?  If so, are you absolutely convinced that they torqued them
sufficiently and didn't just encounter galling?  Or that they didn't
over-torque them in the first place?

I know that I've used stainless hardware in virtually every type of
mechanical connection application that I've done and have never experienced
abnormal "jiggling or coming loose". I can say the same about other ferrous
based fasteners in general.  Softer metals such as aluminum or brass require
tension fasteners, i.e. lock-washers and such.

As we all know, stainless does have its potential for galling. If the
installer were to have encountered this condition without being aware of it,
they may have "thought they were tight", when in fact they were not.  

Another possible situation is where the fastener is "over-torqued"...
Causing "stretch" and ultimately metal fatigue which can induce "loosening"
or even breakage.  If the connections are in high-current locations, the
heating/cooling will exacerbate this. Use of a lower grade stainless, like
the stuff Home Depot or Ace Hardware sell, will increase this potential. 

The "semi-meltdown" of the battery post is indicative of a loose connection
for sure.  Loose connections in current-carrying circuits are not good...
Stainless hardware or bubble gum doesn't matter.

Without doing a forensic evaluation personally (i.e. a trip to Hawaii....
:-) )I would have to say that the condition is NOT due to the use of
Stainless Hardware and IS due to Installer error.  In this situation, I hope
that it wasn't one of your guys who installed the customer's stainless
hardware!

Before further damage is done, I would recommend a complete inspection and
fastener maintenance/replacement be performed.  If you didn't install the
fasteners, you are entitled to charge whatever it takes without feeling
guilty.  (For comparison purposes, my rate = R/T plane ticket + beer)

Aloha,

Matt Lafferty; CEO
Stateside Pigrims R-US, LLC
mlafferty at universalenergies.com
 


 

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