Why Should You Use Galvanized Hog Rings?
Although hog rings were traditionally used to keep pigs from rooting, they’re one of the most popular types of fasteners used today. Hog rings, sometimes referred to as hog ring staples, are used to secure chain link fencing, bungee cords, heavy-duty packaging, car upholstery, and more. Hog rings also come in many shapes and sizes and can be made from different materials, including stainless steel, basic steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel. The most common type of hog ring is the galvanized hog ring, which is a hog ring that has gone through a galvanization process.
What Is Galvanization?
Galvanization is the process of applying zinc to a ferrous metal to prevent corrosion. There are several galvanizing methods, but “Hot Dipping” is the most common. The Hot Dipping method involves submerging the base metal in a molten bath of melted zinc. The dipped metal is hoisted and dried, allowing the excess liquid zinc to fall away. The result is a hardened coating of zinc atop the base metal. The process can be repeated to increase the thickness of the protective zinc.
The purpose of this dipping is to prolong the lifespan of the base metal, which is typically significantly more expensive than the zinc used to protect it.
Benefits of Galvanization
Galvanization is the process of applying zinc to a ferrous metal to prevent corrosion. There are several galvanizing methods, but “Hot Dipping” is the most common. The Hot Dipping method involves submerging the base metal in a molten bath of melted zinc. The dipped metal is hoisted and dried, allowing the excess liquid zinc to fall away. The result is a hardened coating of zinc atop the base metal. The process can be repeated to increase the thickness of the protective zinc.
The purpose of this dipping is to prolong the lifespan of the base metal, which is typically significantly more expensive than the zinc used to protect it.
Benefits of Galvanization
Galvanizing ferrous (iron-containing) metals, like alloy steel, carbon steel, wrought iron, and cast iron, protects them from atmospheric elements that cause rusting and erosion. It also majorly delays metallurgical deterioration due to extended contact with water, salt, wind, intense temperatures, and chemicals. In other words, galvanized hog rings can resist corrosion more than hog rings made from other types of materials, including basic steel and aluminum.
Additionally, both the base metal and the zinc are 100% recyclable, meaning that galvanized metals can be liquified, separated, and reused for an indefinite period.
Galvanized Steel Versus Stainless Steel
Galvanized steel isn’t the only type of steel known for its corrosion resistance—many manufacturers and end-users also turn to stainless steel for its exceptional corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and tensile strength.
If you’re not sure whether galvanized steel or stainless steel hog rings are best suited for your application, you’ll need to consider the environmental factors at play,
While galvanized steel is created by applying thin layers of zinc to alloy or carbon steel, stainless steel is made by combining chromium, nickel, iron, silicon, molybdenum, and other steel alloys. The addition of chromium significantly increases the steel’s strength and resistance to water, even if it’s salt or brackish water. However, even with chromium, the base steel or other ferrous metal will oxidize and corrode over time.If the metal is galvanized, it is the zinc coating that breaks down over time, leaving the more valuable base metal unscathed under the surface. And some studies have shown that hot-dip galvanizing can add between 34 to 170 years of extra protection to steel. However, the precise lifespan will depend on the intensity and duration of exposure to degrading forces.
Most Common Applications
As mentioned earlier, hog rings are versatile and affordable fasteners used in a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications. Galvanized hog rings are best suited for outdoor applications, including:
- Connecting Wire to Make Chicken Coops
- Attaching Privacy Fabric/Windscreens to Chain Link Fencing
- Fastening Protective Shades to Kennels
- Affixing Heavy Industrial Tarps to Semi-Trailers
This list is not exhaustive—it’s always good to have some nearby because there are virtually endless possible applications.
Purchase Galvanized Hog Rings From King Steel Fasteners Today!
Do you need help selecting the right hog ring? Reach out to our team at King Steel Fasteners. Founded in 1995, we’re a family-owned and -operated U.S. fastener manufacturer and supplier. We carry C- and D-type hog rings made from many materials, including stainless steel, galvanized metal, and aluminum, and hog ring tools. Visit our website to view our complete inventory, or contact us today to request a product quote or talk to one of our experts.