C. O. Rhodes wrote:
I want to bag out a canoe with aluminum gunnels and I am thinking of using
marine grade stainless steel rivets. I have some hazy memories form school
that different metals, next to each other can cause corrosion, especially if
there is salt water about. Does anyone know whether it is OK to use steel
rivets in aluminum?

C.


Stainless and aluminum are very similar metals, neither contain more
than trace amounts of carbon, and they won't encourage corrosion when
mated together. There are two groups of stainless steels, 313 series
and 400 series, and any rivets you purchase that state "Stainless"
should work fine. Just don't use plated carbon-based rivets. Even
chrome plating will deteriorate under salt water attack.

btw, I'm new here. Name's Bill, and I'm pleased to meet you.