Robert Lehmann, founder of Fair Wind Fasteners. The company’s new inventory includes Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel fasteners for corrosive environments.

Fair Wind Fasteners announced that it had added Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel fasteners to its growing boat-repair inventory.

Carefully curated by owner and career seaman, Robert Lehmann, Fair Wind Fasteners carries a range of corrosion-resistant nuts, bolts, wood screws, machine screws, carriage bolts, hex bolts, lag bolts, washers, nails, wood plugs, and much more.

All of the fasteners are available directly from the company’s website in exact quantities needed — with discounts for buying in bulk.

“We started up just two years ago, but we’re growing fast and already well-known for our high-quality silicon bronze fasteners,” says Lehmann. He began the business after recognizing a need in the industry for high-quality silicon bronze fasteners. “And I personally checked tolerances, had alloy testing done, and visited manufacturers before even considering putting them on my shelf.”

Most people assume that all stainless screws are the same, but this is a common misconception, explains Lehamnn. There are different grades of steel depending on the metals used in the alloy. 316 Stainless Steel fasteners are harder to find. Big box stores usually carry the corrosion-prone 304 stainless, also known as 18-8.

“But stainless steel is not impervious to corrosion. It can still stain and rust just like iron, given the right environment — like in or near water, especially salt water,” he adds. “Fair Wind Fasteners only carries 316 Stainless when it comes to stainless steel, again, because it’s a high-quality product and it’s the only grade of stainless that I’d be comfortable with on my own boat.”