From the Stainless Steel Information Center's website (and they oughta
know, right?) at
http://www.ssina.com/SSINA2002/SSINAsite/faq.html

"5. Is stainless steel magnetic?

Answer:

There are several “types” of stainless steel. The 300 series (which
contains nickel) is NOT magnetic. The 400 series (which just contain
chromium and no nickel) ARE magnetic." (Emphasis in original document.)

I've never heard of hose clamps made from 440 or any 400-series steel.
Bring a magnet when you go shopping. The growth of global free trade
has, I believe, led to the deterioration in the uniformity and adherence
to specifications for steel.

For more, see
http://www.ssina.com/SSINA2002/SSINA...ions/learn.htm
from the Specialty Steel Industry of North America's website.

Rich Mechaber

Steve wrote:

I was removing some hose clamps from the hoses to my head. (minor leak).

The hose clamps were bleeding rust where the seeping sea water was running
over the them. These clamps had only been exposed to the marine enviorment
(in the head) for one year..

I checked the markings on the screw housing and it said IDEAL All
Stainless.. I grabbed a magnet and sure enough, the screw is magnetic. Looks
like stainless, not zinc or cad. plated, but it is some grade of stainless
that is not only magnetic, but rusts.

Since I purchase such hardware by the box, I was able to locate the
remainder of these clamps in my spares and traced the purchase back to a
reputable (not WM) marine supplier.

I just found one IDEAL "All Stainless" hose clamp in my shop that claims to
be 'Made in USA' (not that that means to much) but it also has Mil Spec
number on it. (MS 35842-11)

Guess what, the screw is also magnetic.

If I find this problem with all the rest of my hose clamps, I think I should
complain and find replacements.

I wonder just how a fellow is suppose to find and trust in the marine
hardware he purchases. Maybe sampling and lab test... Oh wait! the military
dose that and assigns a Mil Spec. number.. Hmm! did Uncle Sam get screwed
also??

Frustrated With rusting hose clamps.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions