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SS 202 vs SS 304 Cap Rivet — Which Grade Should You Choose?

SS 202 vs SS 304 Cap Rivet — Which Grade Should You Choose?

When sourcing SS cap rivets in India, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right stainless steel grade — SS 202 or SS 304. Both are widely used in cookware, pressure cookers, and industrial fastening, but they have key differences that affect performance, price, and application suitability.

As a manufacturer of both grades since 2004, Kamlesh Enterprises helps buyers make the right choice for their specific application.

Quick Comparison: SS 202 vs SS 304 Cap Rivet

PropertySS 202 Cap RivetSS 304 Cap Rivet
Nickel Content4–6%8–10%
Manganese Content7.5–10%2% max
Corrosion ResistanceGoodExcellent
PriceLowerHigher (15–25% more)
Magnetic?Slightly magneticNon-magnetic
Best ForGeneral cookware, dry environmentsPressure cookers, wet/coastal environments
Food Grade?Yes (most applications)Yes (preferred for food contact)
Finish QualityGood mirror polishExcellent mirror polish

SS 202 Cap Rivet — Properties and Best Use

SS 202 is an austenitic stainless steel grade that replaces some nickel with manganese. It offers good corrosion resistance at a lower cost, making it the most popular grade for cookware rivets in India.

Best applications for SS 202 cap rivets:

  • General-purpose cookware handles (kadai, tawa, pans)
  • Kitchen utensil handles in dry environments
  • Industrial fastening where budget is a priority
  • Domestic market products where SS 304 is not specified

Limitations of SS 202:

  • Less corrosion resistant than SS 304 in salt/acid environments
  • Slightly magnetic — can be detected by magnet test
  • Not preferred for coastal areas or marine applications

SS 304 Cap Rivet — Properties and Best Use

SS 304 is the most widely used food-grade stainless steel globally. It has higher nickel content giving it superior corrosion resistance and a brighter, longer-lasting finish. It is the standard grade for pressure cooker rivets worldwide.

Best applications for SS 304 cap rivets:

  • Pressure cookers and high-heat cookware
  • Export-quality products for Middle East, Europe, USA
  • Marine and coastal applications
  • Medical and food processing equipment
  • Products where non-magnetic property is required

Why exporters prefer SS 304:

  • International buyers (especially Middle East and Europe) specify SS 304
  • Better corrosion resistance in humid storage and shipping conditions
  • Superior appearance over product lifetime
  • Non-magnetic — passes magnet test that some buyers require

How to Identify SS 202 vs SS 304 Rivet

  1. Magnet test — SS 202 is slightly magnetic; SS 304 is non-magnetic
  2. Price — SS 304 costs 15–25% more than SS 202 for same size
  3. Certificate — Ask for material test certificate (MTC) specifying chemical composition
  4. Supplier declaration — A reputable manufacturer like Kamlesh Enterprises provides grade certificate with every batch

Which Grade Should You Order?

Choose SS 202 if: you are manufacturing domestic-market cookware, budget is important, and your end product does not have SS 304 specification.

Choose SS 304 if: you are manufacturing pressure cookers, exporting products, your customer specifies SS 304, or the product will be used in coastal/humid environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix SS 202 and SS 304 rivets in one product?

Not recommended. Different grades expand differently under heat and may cause loosening over time. Use the same grade throughout.

Does Kamlesh Enterprises supply both SS 202 and SS 304 cap rivets?

Yes. We manufacture both grades in all standard sizes. Minimum order 5,000 pieces per grade per size.

Do you provide material test certificate?

Yes. Material test certificate (MTC) is available on request for SS 304 grade orders.


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