Rusting Roof Latches And Fittings
RUSTING ROOF CLAMPS AND FITTINGS
There is one snag with putting any kind of Powder Coat, paint or plating on the roof clamps, and that is that there is hard metal to metal contact, especially where the hook and latch connect, that will probably eventually abrade/cause the paint/plating to fail, which will allow corrosion to set in again and work it’s way under the coating until it breaks down and all you got is more rust! This may/could take one helluva’ long time, so maybe it’s really a non-issue. Get them Powder Coated or paint them with a good rust inhibitor/prevention paint and …no worries!
Another option would be to get them Tin, Copper or Chrome plated.
The harder chrome would probably crack and give way at the contact surfaces before the tin or copper, but again…in who’s lifetime?
With Powder Coat, paint or chrome, if a little high tack lubricant/grease is kept on the contact surfaces, they may never even wear down anyway? And if they do, the lube will act as a moisture barrier.
There is another option that comes in an …aerosol can. It’s called Boeshield T-9.
It was developed by Boeing Aviation as a corrosion inhibitor for aircraft fittings and components. It’s a spray-on lubricant/protectant. Check it out at:
http://boeshield.com/index.htm and/or
http://www.theruststore.com/Boeshield-T-9-12-oz-Aerosol-P3C4.aspx.
Another suggestion for the threads on the hook piece. Or any exposed threads for that matter. Coat the entire length of threaded shank, and put some in the threaded sleeve as well, with Never-Seize Compound or Permatex Anti-Seize Compound (paste in tube, not aerosol can). Then put the nut on and screw the lot together, and adjust. These are graphite based hi-temp, extreme pressure lubes that are virtually impervious to exposure and the elements (be it 122 deg’ in Death Valley or salt laden fogs/dew at Pismo Beach) that will prevent the threads, exposed or otherwise from ever rusting, galling or seizing up. They’ll always turn with just the fingers. Good luck in getting the damn stuff off your hands and tools!!!
As a side note…another common use for the anti-seize compounds is as an anti-galling coating on Stainless Steel fastener threads to prevent thread seizure in other stainless steel, especially Aluminum, or any other metal. It's important to note though that with the anti-seize on the/any threads you usually want to adjust/reduce tightening torque because friction is greatly reduced and it's possible to over-tighten a fastener. Usually not a real issue with small fasteners unless it's a critical application!
coopcoyote