Galvanic Reaction Chart
Understand metal compatibility and reduce dissimilar metal corrosion risk when selecting fasteners.
When dissimilar metals come into direct contact in the presence of an electrolyte solution (e.g. salts, acids, or bases dissolved in water or moisture), galvanic corrosion can occur. This chart is designed to help contractors quickly evaluate compatibility between common construction metals and select appropriate fasteners for long-term performance.
What Is Galvanic Corrosion?
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals come into direct contact in the presence of an electrolyte solution. The resulting electrochemical reaction can accelerate corrosion in the less noble metal (anodic or more reactive), potentially weakening assemblies and reducing fastener performance.
Understanding metal compatibility helps contractors, engineers, and specifiers select fasteners and materials that minimize corrosion risk and extend the life of the installation.
How To Reduce The Risk
Of Corrosion Before It Starts
Fasteners often connect different metals within construction assemblies. When dissimilar metals interact, and under the wrong conditions, corrosion can accelerate and compromise long-term assembly performance.
Understanding galvanic compatibility helps ensure longer-lasting installations and more reliable fastener performance.
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How to Read the Chart
Find the primary metal used in the assembly across the top of the chart.
Identify the material or finish used for the fastener down the side of the chart.
Where the two metals meet indicates corrosion risk.
Color Guide
Environmental conditions such as moisture, salt exposure, and protective coatings can influence corrosion performance. Always consider the full installation environment when selecting fasteners.
Specific circumstances and environments must be fully assessed by qualified professionals to assure adequate materials and corrosion protection methods are in place. The choice of the materials used, and the corrosion protection methods employed, remain the responsibility of the end user.
Grabber strongly encourages consulting with local design engineers for all corrosion protection decisions. Ultimately, only the building official has authority to determine whether a construction product, material, or method complies with the code.
Metal Compatibility Chart
Galvanic compatibility values are based on standard electrochemical potential rankings of common construction metals.
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Fasteners Built To Reduce Corrosion Risk
Grabber contractor-grade fasteners are engineered with materials, finishes, and GrabberGard® coatings designed to improve corrosion resistance across a wide range of construction applications.
Selecting the correct fastener helps protect assemblies from galvanic corrosion and extend installation life.
Choose the Right Fastener for the Job
Selecting the correct fastener and coating can help prevent corrosion, protect materials, and improve long-term performance across the entire assembly.