I've just bought some M12x1.25 nuts for my car. Sadly, the shop didn't have zinc plated ones. What's the best way of rust-proofing them? A bit of paint then waxoyl? I don't plan to remove the suspension arms again but it would be nice to be able to if I had to.

I smeared them with grease and popped a plastic nut cover on the few I had.

zinc primer and paint?

It has to be something pretty tough to survive the spanner going on it. I tried some 'engine bay clear laquer' from Halfords on some of my unplated bolts. Stuff says its ideal for engine bay bits that will rust. Nope. Rubbish. They rusted very quickly even without going out of the garage. I had given up hope and was going to buy plated or SS ones to replace.


Edit to say - but not Stainless Steel on suspension bolts of course

[Edited on 28/11/11 by Irony]

Just buy some plated ones...the cost and aggro of doing anything else just isnt worth not having plated ones.

There is usually very little cost difference between plated and unplated nuts.

In my opinion like...

Linky

or..

Linky

[Edited on 28/11/11 by Litemoth]

Thanks for the replies. I'd probably put the nut on first then paint it to avoid the problem of the spanner cracking the paint.

quote:

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Originally posted by smart51
Thanks for the replies. I'd probably put the nut on first then paint it to avoid the problem of the spanner cracking the paint.

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I'd just install and then spray with zinc primer...or go to screwfix tomorrow...

Put em on, spray with clear lacquer (rattle can).