Let’s give a simple answer to the title question first that, under the design concept of safety fasteners, stainless steel material can better exert its safety design intention and have better field performance compared with other materials, in a wide and strict long-term environment.
Security consideration
Safety screws are so called because their sole purpose is to provide a secure fitting for the application. This can be used for a variety of purposes, from installing children’s play equipment in parks to ensuring safety railings or barriers remain in place. For security screws to function effectively, they need to be durable. This is why the materials used for safety fasteners are so important.
Material consideration
Stainless steel has become the standard metal for making security screws. The strength of the materials means they don’t break easily, so there’s no question that the accessories will be safe. Due to its corrosion-resistant properties, it also provides solutions for a wide variety of applications, both interior and exterior. Wet weather conditions can cause many metals to corrode, and when they are damaged to the point that they are no longer effective, the applications they are used in become vulnerable. Stainless steel security screws do not suffer the same damage when exposed to the elements. As a result, they last longer and can be relied on to provide a safer installation.
Alternatives to Stainless Steel Security Screws
Many people consider galvanized fasteners less expensive than standard stainless-steel screws. This is not necessarily the case, as stainless-steel fittings are more widely available as off-the-shelf solutions. Galvanized fasteners are often made to order and can cost more than standard options. Even if the size you’re looking for is readily available, manufacturers tend to sell them in bulk to make it more cost-effective to produce them, so you may find that you have to buy more than you really need.
Another thing to note when looking at plated screws is that plating is usually just a very thin layer on a steel screw. This is to prevent rust, which can cause very serious damage to the accessories. However, this coating wears quickly, especially in outdoor environments where the screw is open to the element. Standard plated fittings won’t withstand corrosion like stainless steel so will eventually fail as security fasteners which means they will need to be replaced more frequently so the money you save by buying them over the stainless steel option will quickly pay off if it’s going to be outside used, it will be lost.