Welding Stainless Steel

[mherrcat]

Does the discoloration that occurs when welding stainless steel affect its anti-corrosive properties? The reason I ask is that in rebuilding my boom I am eliminating the pop-rivet method of attaching the internal bails and going with a 1/4" machine screw. In welding a 1/4" nut on the back of the bail plate the stainless steel has become discolored. Is this anything more than a cosmetic concern? I guess I could try to polish it but if it isn't going to be seen, why bother?

 

[rwthomas1]

Yes, welding stainless can affect its properties and to correct this it can be passivated. There are a couple of methods but the easy way is to "pickle" it with stainless steel pickling gel, available from McMaster-Carr. I have a quart left over from treating keelbolts after they were welded on to repair them. I will warn you that this stuff is quite nasty, it contains hydrofluoric acid witch you definitely don't want on you. Ever. If you only need a small amount I would be willing to ship some to you. Its unlikely I'll ever need it again. RT

 

[mherrcat]

Thanks. Sent you an e-mail.

Here's what the bails look like: