Are you looking to buy one or more steel hooks? While hooks are available in a variety of materials, steel has become one of the most popular materials in which they are made. Steel hooks are strong, durable, long-lasting and inexpensive. Below are several things to consider when choosing a steel hook.
Finish
Most steel hooks aren’t made entirely of steel. Rather, they feature a solid steel core that’s coated in a separate material. Known as a finish, this additional layer protects the underlying steel core from damage. With a finish, the steel core won’t be exposed to moisture, nor will it develop rust.
Steel hooks are available in different types of finishes. There are zinc-plated steel hooks, for instance. Zinc-plated steel hooks live up to their namesake by featuring a thin layer of zinc. There are also powder-coated steel hooks. Powder-coated steel hooks feature a solid steel core that’s covered in a layer of plastic particles.
Mounting
You should consider the mounting requirements when choosing a steel hook. Like other hooks, most steel hooks are mounted to walls with threaded fasteners. The number of threaded fasteners needed to mount a steel hook, however, may vary.
Some steel hooks require just two threaded fasteners. Others require four or more threaded fasteners. To determine how many threaded fasteners are needed, count the number of holes on the steel hook. Steel hooks with two holes require two threaded fasteners, whereas those with four holes require four threaded fasteners.
Opening Size
How big is the opening? Steel hooks come in different sizes. Rather than focusing entirely on the length of the hook itself, you should consider the size of the opening. If the opening is too small, you may not be able to slide certain objects over the steel hook. The opening size for steel hooks may range from 0.5 inches to 1 inch.
Load Capacity
You can’t choose a steel hook without considering its load capacity. Load capacity, of course, represents the maximum amount of weight that a steel hook can safely support. A steel hookwith a load capacity of 150 pounds can support up to 150 pounds of weight.
Steel hooks are stronger than most other hooks, including those made of aluminum. As a result, they support heavier loads. You can find out exactly how much weight a steel hook can support by referencing its load capacity.