"Michael D. Callahan" wrote:

    Titanium is great stuff, some bolts are twice as strong as steel and
weigh only a third as much. Only considerations are that it will react with
most metals (including aluminum and steel) if used at high temps (>350F) and
titanium nuts on titanium bolts will gall if not (and sometimes even if)
properly lubricated. Use it only in low-temp areas (no exhaust bolts) and
use steel or stainless nuts and washers (stainless nuts and washers only
near the engine).
    As for price, look around that Boeing surplus yard. You might be able to
buy bolts by the barrel. You'll know it when you see it. Titanium is a dark
gray and isn't magnetic (carry a small magnet!). Aircraft bolts have a "T"
designation and the last few letters and numbers tell the vanadium content
(6V=6%, 100% strength of steel, 4V=4%, 130%strength of steel, 2V=2%,
200%strength of steel). You might also find tubing (hydraulic line), sheet,
structural forms(angle, channel, etc...) and plate
    A surplus salvage place here in Birmingham (sorry, he went out of
business last year) used to sell titanium bolts for $8.00 a pound! You got
any idea how many number 10 and 1/4 inch titanium bolts it takes to make a
pound? I've got about ten pounds worth of bolts and two 12x12x1/8" plates
and yes, I'm replacing all the hardware on my plane!  Mike C.

 
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