Stainless Steel 304 All Thread Rod 5/16 x #18

Stainless Steel All Thread Rod – Type 304

Our Type 304 stainless steel all thread rod is continuously threaded along its entire length, allowing nuts, couplers and washers to be positioned anywhere on the rod. It is a flexible and economical way to create custom-length bolts, studs, hangers and tie rods.

The rod is threaded with a coarse thread series, and the number shown in the product name (for example #10) is the number of threads per inch. Stainless steel construction resists rust, corrosion and staining in damp, outdoor and chemical environments where plain steel threaded rod would fail.

Key Features

• Fully threaded along the entire length
• Coarse threads (threads per inch shown in the product name)
• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction
• Can be cut to any length with a hacksaw or abrasive wheel
• Compatible with stainless nuts, washers and couplers
• Available in multiple diameters and lengths

About Type 304 Stainless Steel (18-8)

Type 304 is the most widely specified austenitic stainless steel in the world. Often called 18-8 stainless, it contains roughly 18% chromium and 8% nickel, a balance that delivers excellent resistance to corrosion, oxidation and staining in everyday atmospheric, freshwater, food-contact and mild chemical environments.

It is also valued for its outstanding formability and weldability, good toughness (even at low temperatures) and a clean, attractive appearance that is easy to maintain. In the annealed condition Type 304 is essentially non-magnetic, although cold working can induce slight magnetism.

For constant exposure to salt water, de-icing salts or strong chloride solutions, Type 316 is the better choice, but for the vast majority of indoor, outdoor, architectural and food-service applications Type 304 offers the best balance of performance and cost.

Why Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. The chromium forms a thin, invisible, self-healing oxide layer on the surface that protects the metal from rust and corrosion, so stainless steel keeps its strength and appearance for years with minimal upkeep and without paint or coatings.

Common Applications

• Suspended pipes, ductwork, cable trays and HVAC supports
• Anchoring and tie rods
• Clamping, jigs and fixtures
• Marine, outdoor and wash-down environments
• Food-processing and chemical equipment
• Custom studs, bolts and general fastening

Fabrication and Handling

Cut with a hacksaw, bolt cutter or abrasive wheel, then dress the cut end with a file or die to clean up the threads. Use stainless steel nuts and apply anti-seize lubricant to help prevent galling when tightening.

Type 304 can be cut with band saws, abrasive saws, shears, plasma, laser or waterjet, and joined with TIG, MIG or resistance welding (308L filler is the usual match). Because it work-hardens quickly, use sharp tooling, steady feeds and adequate cooling when machining, and allow for springback when bending or forming.

Care and Maintenance

To keep stainless steel looking its best, clean it periodically with warm water, mild detergent and a soft cloth or non-abrasive pad, rinse thoroughly and dry. Always wipe in the direction of the grain or polish lines, avoid chlorine bleach and chloride-based cleaners, and do not use carbon-steel wire brushes or tools on the surface, as embedded iron particles can cause rust spots. If surface contamination does occur, a stainless steel cleaner or passivation treatment will restore the protective layer.

Sizes and Ordering

Select the diameter and length for your project. Thread pitch (threads per inch) is shown in the product name. All dimensions listed are nominal and standard mill tolerances apply. For critical fits, structural or code-driven projects, we recommend confirming the exact dimensions and tolerances you need before ordering. If you require a size, length or quantity that is not listed, please contact us and we will be glad to help.