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SS 202 vs SS 304 Cap Rivet: Which Grade is Right for You? Complete Comparison
Choosing between SS 202 and SS 304 grade for your cap rivets is one of the most important decisions when sourcing industrial fasteners. Both grades have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your specific application, budget, and environment. In this guide, we break down the differences.
What is SS 202 Grade?
SS 202 is an austenitic stainless steel that uses manganese instead of nickel to achieve its properties. It offers reasonable corrosion resistance at a lower cost than SS 304. It contains approximately 17-19% chromium and 4-6% manganese with only 0.5-1% nickel.
What is SS 304 Grade?
SS 304 is the most widely used stainless steel grade globally. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, giving it superior corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. It is also known as 18/8 stainless steel.
SS 202 vs SS 304: Comparison for Cap Rivets
| Property | SS 202 | SS 304 |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel Content | 0.5-1% | 8-10.5% |
| Chromium Content | 17-19% | 18-20% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (indoor) | Excellent (indoor + outdoor) |
| Magnetic Properties | Slightly magnetic | Non-magnetic |
| Food Grade | Not recommended | Yes (FDA approved) |
| Price | 20-30% cheaper | Premium pricing |
| Mirror Finish Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Saltwater Resistance | Poor | Good |
| Best For | Indoor furniture, budget projects | Cookware, outdoor, marine, food equipment |
When to Choose SS 202 Cap Rivets
- Indoor furniture and office equipment
- Interior signage and display boards
- Budget-sensitive projects where corrosion is not a concern
- Temporary installations or short-lifecycle products
- Applications in dry, climate-controlled environments
When to Choose SS 304 Cap Rivets
- Cookware, kitchen equipment, and food processing machinery
- Outdoor signage, building facades, and architectural cladding
- Elevator interiors and commercial spaces
- Marine and coastal environments
- Products requiring FDA or food-grade compliance
- Premium products where superior finish matters
How to Test: Is It SS 202 or SS 304?
A simple magnet test can help: SS 202 is slightly magnetic while SS 304 is non-magnetic. However, for reliable testing, use a handheld XRF analyzer or request mill test certificates from your supplier.
Buy Both Grades from Kamlesh Enterprises
Kamlesh Enterprises manufactures SS cap aluminium rivets in both SS 202 and SS 304 grades. All sizes from 4/8 to 6/16 available with custom sizes on request. Check our pricing guide or call +91 90225-54368 for instant quotes.
we have all required size and also capable to make custom size.
We have 304 cap rivet also. FDA approved garde for acidic cooking