Common Materials of Expansion Screws
A. Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is one of the most widely used materials for expansion screws. It has relatively high strength and good toughness, which can meet the general fastening requirements. Low - carbon steel is often used in expansion screws for some indoor decoration projects where the load - bearing requirements are not extremely high. For example, in installing simple indoor light fixtures or small - sized decorative frames, low - carbon steel expansion screws can provide sufficient fixing force. Medium - carbon steel and high - carbon steel, with higher strength, are suitable for outdoor projects or areas with larger load - bearing requirements, such as the installation of outdoor billboards and large - scale metal brackets. However, carbon steel expansion screws are prone to rust in a humid environment. To improve their corrosion resistance, they are usually coated with zinc or other anti - corrosion coatings.
B. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel expansion screws are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in environments where moisture and chemicals are present. They are commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor coastal areas. In a bathroom, where there is a lot of water vapor, stainless steel expansion screws can prevent rusting and ensure the long - term stability of the fixed objects, such as installing towel racks or showerheads. In coastal areas, the air contains a large amount of salt, which can easily corrode ordinary metal materials. Stainless steel expansion screws, due to their excellent corrosion - resistance, can be used in the construction of seaside buildings, such as installing railings or fixing exterior wall decorations. Additionally, stainless steel has a good appearance, which is also suitable for projects where aesthetics are considered, such as high - end interior decoration.
C. Plastic
Plastic expansion screws, also known as nylon expansion plugs, are mainly used for fixing lightweight objects in materials such as brick walls and plasterboard. They are made of high - quality engineering plastics with good elasticity and durability. Plastic expansion screws are easy to install. When inserted into the pre - drilled hole, they expand under the action of the screw, tightly gripping the wall. They are commonly used for installing small - sized items like picture frames, small - scale electrical sockets, and curtain rods in homes. Since plastic has low strength compared to metal, it is not suitable for heavy - duty applications.
