What should be done with fasteners that show signs of corrosion?

Fasteners that show signs of corrosion can indeed be requalified for use, provided that the corrosion does not compromise their structural integrity. The process of requalifying involves inspecting the fasteners to determine the extent of the corrosion and assessing whether they still meet the required standards for strength and safety. If the fasteners pass this inspection and can maintain their load-bearing capacity, they can be reused.

Corrosion can vary in severity, and in some cases, it may merely be a surface issue that can be cleaned and treated, allowing the fastener to remain functional. This approach helps in reducing waste and promotes the efficient use of materials in construction and engineering applications.

By contrast, discarding all corroded fasteners without considering their condition may lead to unnecessary waste, financial costs, and shortages of available materials. Painting fasteners before installation might provide a protective barrier against further corrosion, but it does not address the fundamental issue of the existing corrosion. Using corroded fasteners only in non-critical applications is a temporary measure and does not resolve the potential risks associated with compromised fasteners in critical structures.