Is zinc damper screw dangerous on Dutchwest 2462?

[rwg]

Broke the damper screw in my Dutchwest extra large catalytic stove. Top of unit gets above 1200 with catalyst in use. Was told to replace with grade 5 and no zinc or galvanized due to strength - I replaced with a grade 8 zinc. Only option without using zinc was stainless 304 which I understood to not be as strong as grade 5. Now seeing comments about zinc being toxic. Is this a safe replacement option for my damper screw?

 

[bholler]

Broke the damper screw in my Dutchwest extra large catalytic stove. Top of unit gets above 1200 with catalyst in use. Was told to replace with grade 5 and no zinc or galvanized due to strength - I replaced with a grade 8 zinc. Only option without using zinc was stainless 304 which I understood to not be as strong as grade 5. Now seeing comments about zinc being toxic. Is this a safe replacement option for my damper screw?

You want to use stainless

 

[rwg]

Thanks for the quick reply @bholler. just A couple of points I’d like to understand better. Is stainless not as strong as a grade 8 or even grade 5? Is the zinc not safe for use in the stove?

 

[bholler]

Thanks for the quick reply @bholler. just A couple of points I’d like to understand better. Is stainless not as strong as a grade 8 or even grade 5? Is the zinc not safe for use in the stove?

Stainless isn't quite as strong but it won't be affected by the heat as much. I wouldn't worry about that little bit of zinc in that location. But you will never get the bolt out again if you use zinc coated. Stainless with lots of anti-seize works best

 

[rwg]

Stainless isn't quite as strong but it won't be affected by the heat as much. I wouldn't worry about that little bit of zinc in that location. But you will never get the bolt out again if you use zinc coated. Stainless with lots of anti-seize works best

Thanks!

 

[stoveliker]

I concur. But I would worry about the zinc too. No sense in breathing in metals if you can avoid it.

 

[rwg]

Stainless and anti-seize! Thanks for the quick feedback.