2 Questions: Mixing 316 and 304 Stainless? and... Proper Triplex Bolt Installation

1.) What are peoples thoughts on mixing 316 stainless bolts with 304 stainless hangers and vice versa.  I use all stainless and no plated, but is it ok two mix these two types? From what I have read there galvanic potential is more or less the same, but that is where my understanding ends and I would love to learn more.

and a different subject:

2.) What is the understood way to install triplex bolts, fixe says with now washer, slide the sleeve through a 12mm hanger, lots of people say sleeve underneath with a 10mm hanger on top. I understand the main issue is the nut loosening and the bolt coming out (in the 12mm hanger configuration).  Has anyone thought about doing the 12mm orientation with a lock washer to prevent it coming loose?

I had similar questions too. Check out Kevin's videos here: http://www.fixehardware.com/shop/fixe-videos.  Number 4 should be of particular interest.

beach wrote: so please don't let this degrade into a bolting argument or a hardware argument. .....I would love some respectful, thoughtful discourse on both of these

  Maybe Jim Titt can also chime in and give a definitive answer.  He seems like the end all expert on the stuff.

You don't want an argument, but asked the opinions of an internet forum seeking discourse, but also want a "definitive answer" from the "end all expert"?  Just PM Jim and be done with it.

Galvanically mixing 304 and 316 is a non-issue, the surfaces have the same potential. The standard requires all parts of the anchor are of the same material but doesn´t say whether they mean just all stainless or all the same grade, if it is the latter then virtually no bolt-in anchor in the world actually conforms, technically no welded product does either since the filler rod is a different grade to the rest.
I don´t give opinions on other companies products.

Mike Slavens wrote:

You don't want an argument, but asked the opinions of an internet forum seeking discourse, but also want a "definitive answer" from the "end all expert"?  Just PM Jim and be done with it.

touche mike! i should have clarified. I was more looking for Jim on the galvanic stuff and good discourse on how to place triplex, pros and cons, etc. compared to some of the name calling and arguments that mp is known for. Just trying to head it off before it happens...

Jim Titt wrote: Galvanically mixing 304 and 316 is a non-issue, the surfaces have the same potential. The standard requires all parts of the anchor are of the same material but doesn´t say whether they mean just all stainless or all the same grade, if it is the latter then virtually no bolt-in anchor in the world actually conforms, technically no welded product does either since the filler rod is a different grade to the rest.
I don´t give opinions on other companies products.

Thanks Jim!!!

1) No issue (as has been stated) but suggest you ensure the bolts are 316 and not the other way round because if in the future hangers are damaged / stolen and replaced with a lower grade material then the least corrosion resistant material is external and can be inspected. Alternatively switch to glue-ins and be done with all those issues, especially when adopting weld free stainless steel products.

2) The curved flange on Triplex bolts is well known for assisting unwanted extraction when torque is lost and the fixing becomes free to move. It's that aspect that makes them so useful as temporary bolts when equipping new routes. An option could be to switch to bolt ins where torque is less of an issue, as is seating the hanger. The various techniques in N.America now make removing them simple enough.

Why don't you just use stainless glue-ins?   It would answer/solve both of your problems and glue-in bolts are superior in just about every way.  

If you must use triplex bolts for permanent fixings consider cutting off the flange and placing with a 10mm hanger and lock washer. Make sure to torque the bolt to 25 ft/lbs, an under-torqued placement can still allow this configuration to loosen up and fallout over time. IMO these bolts are a poor design for permanent bolts. Another user (M Hanna) found that these bolts pull out at 3900 lbs when placed with a 12mm hanger. This is weaker than most 3/8" wedge bolts!

Here is the thread.

I think the best way to install a triplex is to throw it in the trash. Terrible design.  I have used them for temp placements but they are too prone to problems long term.