Mar. 10, 2025
These tools, are made of an alloy of iron, chromium and other metals that are often used in the manufacture of tools because of their corrosion resistance and strength. Stainless steel tools are usually less expensive than titanium tools, but they are also less strong and less light. Titanium is a very light yet very strong metal. Titanium tools are more corrosion resistant than their stainless steel counterparts and can be used at high temperatures without melting or deforming. As a rule, titanium tools cost more than stainless steel tools.
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Overall, stainless steel tools are generally a good choice for applications that do not require extreme loads and where corrosion resistance is important, while titanium tools are ideal for applications where high strength and durability are required, such as in aerospace or medical technology.
Stainless steel hand tools are known for their non-corrosive properties. Manufactured from iron alloy that contains at least 10.5% chromium, stainless steel tools have a thin layer of oxide on their surface, which helps to protect them from natural corrosion and oxidisation. The greater the volume of chromium in the tool, the higher its anti-corrosion properties.
You'll find a range of tools manufactured in stainless steel, each containing a blend of iron and other elements. The important thing to be aware of when shopping for stainless steel tools is the grade. Stainless steel tool grades determine how resistant the tool is to corrosion, and, by proxy, the types of environments the tool is suited to ' something we'll expand on later. But first, let's look at some of the benefits stainless steel hand tools offer.
One of the best benefits of using stainless steel tools is their ability to withstand corrosion. The unique properties of the oxide barrier, something which only stainless steel tools possess, plays a big part in protecting the tool from rust and other elemental depreciation. This makes them a great choice for outdoor work as well as environments where precipitation or high levels of salt are present; marine environments being a good example.
Another great benefit of stainless steel tools is their strength. Tools made from stainless steel contain a blend of metal and non-metal elements, such as nickel, carbon, titanium, and nitrogen. These help to lend the tool strength and formability, which (along with the anti-corrosion properties) make stainless steel tools durable and hardwearing. In fact, with correct handling, stainless steel can retain its shape and appearance for many years with barely any maintenance.
Stainless steel tools perform best in environments where corrosion is a concern. You'll often find stainless steel used in surgical tools, because of its hygienic and antibacterial properties.
Stainless steel tools are also common in architectural and landscaping applications, where the risk of exposure to moisture and damp conditions is present. For similar reasons, you'll find stainless steel tools widely adopted in marine environments, because of their enhanced anti-corrosion benefits compared to carbon tools.
The grades of stainless steel refer to the chemical make-up of the material and determine what stainless steel is used for. Stainless steel grades are commonly split into low carbon families, high carbon families, and other grades, of which 304, 304L, 316 and 402 are the most common.
304 grade stainless steel can withstand temperatures of up to 870°C and offers good all-round anti-corrosive properties. It's also able to withstand most sterilisation processes without corroding.
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304L grade stainless steel contains lower level of carbon compared with grade 304. This helps to create seamless welds that reduce the risk of bacteria build-ups.
316 grade stainless steel contains 2% Molybdenum content. This makes it more resistant to pitting corrosion. It can also withstand chlorine up to 500mg/l.
402 grade stainless steel contains 12% chromium and a relatively high level of carbon (0.15 to 0.4%). It offers corrosion resistance and strength at an affordable price.
Marine grade steel is essentially stainless steel that's of a grade 316. This class of stainless steel offers high levels of resistance to chlorine and contains 2% Molybdenum content, not present in other stainless steel grades.
This makes grade 316 stainless steel compatible with brines and salt solutions, the likes of which are commonly found in marine environments, which is why it's considered suitable for marine-based applications.
Stainless steel tools actually require very little maintenance compared to other metal tool types, which is another of their key benefits versus carbon steel tools. Their natural anti-corrosion properties offer them a high degree of protection from rust, which eliminates the need for constant cleaning or oiling.
The only thing you really need do to prolong the life these tools is them keep well organised in a tool chest or similar storage solution.
At Red Box Tools we stock a wide range of Bahco stainless steel tools and tool boxes in a variety of stainless steel grades.
Whether you're seeking low-maintenance measuring tools, a stainless steel screwdriver, or just a set of gardening tools that won't rust, we offer tools for all industries and applications.
From tool bags and tool chests to tool boxes with wheels, tool belts, tool cases, and trade-specific tool storage, at Red Box Tools we offer high-quality solutions you can count on.
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