304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Washers – Which One’s Better for You?
What Are Stainless Steel Washers?
Stainless steel washers are thin, circular metal discs used with bolts and screws to:
- Distribute load
- Prevent fastener loosening
- Protect the surface beneath
- Improve structural stability
Thanks to their rust resistance, heat tolerance, and mechanical strength, stainless steel washers are used in construction, marine, automotive, oil & gas, and various industrial applications.
What is 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel is the most commonly used grade in industrial fasteners and components. It is made primarily of:
- 18% chromium
- 8% nickel
Key Benefits:
- Excellent corrosion resistance in normal atmospheric and indoor conditions
- High strength and durability
- Good for general industrial, architectural, and structural use
- Cost-effective and widely available
What is 316 Stainless Steel?
316 stainless steel is similar to 304 but contains an additional element — molybdenum (2–3%), which enhances corrosion resistance.
Key Benefits:
- Superior resistance to chloride corrosion, saltwater, and harsh chemicals
- Ideal for marine, chemical processing, coastal, or industrial environments
- Longer lifespan in aggressive conditions
- Slightly higher strength and heat resistance compared to 304
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Washers – Key Comparison
Feature | 304 SS Washer | 316 SS Washer |
Corrosion Resistance | High (general environments) | Excellent (marine/chemical) |
Chloride Resistance | Moderate | Superior |
Price | More affordable | Slightly expensive |
Applications | Construction, machinery, interiors | Marine, pharma, chemical plants |
Strength & Durability | Strong and durable | Stronger with better heat & chemical resistance |
Availability | Widely available | Less available but increasing |
When to Use 304 Stainless Steel Washers
Choose 304 SS washers if:
- Your project is indoors or in a low-corrosion environment
- You’re looking for a cost-effective solution
- The washer will not be exposed to salt, acid, or extreme chemicals
- You’re working on general construction, automotive, or equipment assemblies
When to Use 316 Stainless Steel Washers
Choose 316 SS washers if:
- The application involves saltwater, moisture, or chemicals
- You’re in coastal areas, marine docks, or chemical plants
- Corrosion could compromise safety or performance
- Long-term durability in harsh environments is a priority
Which One’s Better?
Both 304 and 316 stainless steel washers are excellent choices, but your application decides the winner:
- For general-purpose use, 304 is reliable and economical.
- For harsh or corrosive environments, 316 is the better investment.
At Steelicon Stainless, we manufacture and supply both grades based on your exact specifications, offering high-quality, precision-engineered washers for every application.
