I like to use stainless when ever I can. it is stronger and I have found that the threads stretch on the regular stuff.

Yes, the higher the grade is stronger the steel. However, it is not necessarily true that stainless steel is stronger than regular steel. The impurities that are put into steel to make it stainless are to help fight corrosion for the environment. I looked at a few and there was only a little difference between stainless and regular steel for the same grade (one was 110kpsi and the other 125 kpsi tensile strength). I'm not sure where you were looking at prices but I saw 36" 1/4-20 SS all thread for abut half that price at McMaster Carr.

Doug

to help fight corrosion for the environment. I'm not sure where you were looking at prices but I saw 36" 1/4-20 SS all thread for abut half that price at McMaster Carr.

Doug

I was looking at the 3/8" stainless. I always felt all thread was soft.
When I wanted something strong I would just find the longest bolt I could and cut it.
I might go get some to scope it out, besides if its for the environment, I could have a green Rocket. I could get some carbon credits! 😉

If the comparison is between your typical Home Depot grade of threaded rod and standard McMaster threaded rod, I think you'll find a significant difference. Your average hardware store stuff is almost 100% made in China with very poor quality control over the alloy and other characteristics. If you buy from McMaster whether it is regular or stainless, you'll have a much more predictable level of quality and one pretty much guaranteed to meet specs. Personally, I use stainless myself.

W