While replacing my trailer tires last week I decided it was a good time to clean up the hubs, lube the bearings, etc… I try to keep some marine grease on the studs and lug nuts but they always manage to find a little rust. I found a pretty good deal on some SS full coverage lugs nuts and wondered if there was any reason not to use them? Seems like a good idea in that the studs are fully covered so they won’t rust and the nuts are SS so they won’t either. Any thoughts or experiences?
Thanks
Using SS lugs with steel can develop a galvanic cell and cause corrosion on the components the SS touches. SS is also not very forgiving on fasteners that are removed often since it has the tendency to gall.
I continue to use steel lug nuts. After installing and every couple months I use a cheap solder brush to paint on some Mercury 2-4-C grease and have no issues with corrosion. It doesn’t look pretty, but it works. I will also paint the hub flange with grease before putting the tire on which prevent corrosion between the rim and hub.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Native Manta Ray 14
I agree with hairball. I’ve had bad experiences with SS nuts & bolts galling, especially when using a cordless drill, impact wrench, air-ratchet or just speed-ratcheting them.
That is why I asked. Thanks guys you saved me some trouble and a few bucks!
I’ve had stainless hardware for 5 years, now. I have the tires rotated and balanced each spring, anti-seize on the studs, 100# torque on the nuts. No corrosion, no galling, no problem … 
Last October I replaced 36 lug nuts - got a good bulk price @ Pep Boys.
The capped type to keep salt out - lubed (eventhough manuf. advise against) with antiseize paste.
Already showing signs of rust @ edges of flats.
PRC products no doubt.
we suggest just grease, and once a year remove and reinstall