If you have worked long in mechanical system assembly, operation, or maintenance, you may have seen cases, where simple measures taken to prevent galling of a threaded fastener could have prevented major disruption to an operation. The losses of such disruption are often a combination of extremely high repair costs and lost opportunities.

What can happen if you don’t Prevent Galling?

It might be the valve that can’t be operated in a critical system. Replacement in some systems may require a whole plant shutdown to cold iron or freeze seals to replace or repair the faulty valve. Lost operation time and an expensive repair are the results.

The galling could cause a stainless-steel bolt to be sheared off trying to remove it from a large part like a ship thruster propeller blade. The ship might have to be drydocked because the fastener can’t be repaired by divers.

There are many cases of stainless fasteners high-performance race engines that can’t be removed from the engine block during prep for an important race. Repair isn’t possible in the time allotted, so the engine must be swapped out or the race scrubbed. All the time and money of preparation is at risk, as is the reputation of the racing team.

What is the cost when you don’t Prevent Galling?

These are some good examples of the high cost of galling in threaded fasteners. Like accidents, virtually all cases of damage caused by galling in threaded fasteners can be prevented with strict adherence to a set of best practices and just being extra careful with susceptible fastener materials like stainless steel and aluminum.

What is Galling?

In its simplest form, galling is wear on a sliding threaded surface, to the point where the material is removed from one part and deposited on the other. The result is freezing in place or even worse sometimes, failing fatigue or over-torquing. Junior mechanics are more prone to causing galling if they have not been trained when to recognize the early signs of galling and the steps to take once it starts.

How to Prevent Galling?

If a lubricant like Neolube #1 or #2 can be used on the threads, that’s one way to greatly reduce the occurrence of galling. At other times when a lubricant can’t be used, the materials in the design must be built-in. For example, materials like BUMAX 88 have a higher molybdenum content that adds a little extra galling prevention.

In design, courser threads tend to be less galling prone than more fine threads. In manufacturing, rolled threads tend to gall less than cut threads, but it is not common except in the food industry where most lubricants are prohibited.

Using higher-quality fasteners that have a perfect fit can also reduce the likelihood of galling. That can be part of the original design, but the right fasteners must be used in repair work if the Neolube type of dry lubricant isn’t used. Never using a fastener that has even the slightest damage is also important.

What can cause Galling?

A bolt that’s dropped on a hard surface with a little nick in a thread can be a sure source of galling. The same applies to any dirt or debris on the threads. A good wire brush cleaning before reassembly can go a long way. If you are using lock nuts, beware of the extra torque they can apply throughout the assembly process. Using lock washers may help reduce fastener galling in some instances.

Just being careful in assembly to “feel” if a fastener is starting to gall is important. Plowing on with an impact wrench or applying increasing pressure to a fastener that’s starting to gall is the kiss of death. Stopping at the first sign of galling, the slight resistance, and working the fastener back and forth as it’s removed and re-applied is excellent prevention. Go slow!

Use High-Quality Lubricants to Prevent Galling

The details of design and galling prevention are a lot more in-depth than presented here. However, one thing is sure that if you are using a high-quality dry lubricant like Neolube #1 or #2, your chances of galling go way down. It’s just good mechanical practice to do all the things discussed above AND lubricate your threads with a graphite-based lubricant.

If you’d like to test Huron’s line of Industrial Lubricant products we offer free samples to industrial businesses in the USA. Get in touch today!

The post How to Prevent Galling in Threaded Fasteners appeared first on NEOLUBE® Industrial Dry Lubricants.

Types of protection/lubricants used on a ship

• Molyslip
• Grease
• Lubricating Oil
• White petroleum jelly

Why use Molybdenum Disulfide? 

Ships need special types of compounds that prevent the seizure of metal found in their components. These metal components can seize or fuse together during high temperatures, causing; erosion, corrosion, and extreme pressure. A lubricant might not have anti-seizing properties alone, however, when used with anti-seizure compounds, it forms lubricating properties that help the seizure of metal at high temperatures. Applying Molybdenum Disulfide as a compound in Isopropanol Lubricant reduces galvanic action between metals, thereby reducing corrosion. 

Advantages of Molybdenum Disulfide in Isopropanol lubricants in shipboard building 

Molybdenum Disulfide is used both commercially and in industrial applications. On ships, it is successfully used on all metal components to prevent and reduce any metal from having contact with each other. It also provides an insulating layer for metal components, preventing any corrosion or damage to the ship‘s internal machinery. 

Molybdenum Disulfide has a wide variety of applications and can be used in ships for temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees Celsius to 1100 degrees Celsius. Other specific features include:

• It can easily be used by experts with the use of test equipment to determine its performance.
• Quick and efficient: Molybdenum Disulfide in Isopropanol adds fast-working lubrication that doesn’t fail even under the most extreme conditions.
• In addition to metal surfaces, it adheres to most substrates. 
• Little to no surface preparation is needed, saving the ship time on labor and maintenance.

Tech features: Molybdenum Disulfide as an Isopropanol Lubricant in shipboard building 

Molybdenum Disulfide in Isopropanol is often used in naval surface ships with carbon steel pipe. As a sealing compound and lubricant, it is water-resistant and suited for freshwater, however its specification covers lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, and freshwater coolers. 

Most commonly used for Naval shipboard applications, it has standards of resistance and standards of construction that are higher than usual for commercial marine use. (Link). As a lubricant in shipboard making, molybdenum disulfide and isopropanol are intended for use with metal parts with limited clearances and for applications where the control of impurities is required.

Looking for Molybdenum Disulfide in Isopropanol Lubricant in Shipboard Building?

We hope our guide of Molybdenum Disulfide in Isopropanol Lubricant in Shipboard Building helped you understand its advantages and properties. If you’re looking for Molybdenum Disulfide for shipbuilding look no further, Huron Industries has all your lubricant and manufacturing needs. If you’re having trouble with Molybdenum Disulfide or need more information, you can rest assured that you are not alone. It can be tricky to use but with the right assistance, you can save time, money, and stress! We offer expert advice and support to help you and your business to prosper. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us today! 

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