Choosing the Right Hardware
Bathroom partitions and lockers come in several materials from solid plastic to stainless steel to
baked enamel to laminate. The hardware accessories that accompany these products also come in
various finishes, from stainless steel to aluminum to plastic to Zamac. So, how do you know if you
have the proper hardware for your application?
Bathroom partitions and lockers are exposed to some of the harshest environments: high humidity,
harsh cleaning solutions and chlorinated pool water just to list a few. Some materials withstand
these conditions better than others. For example, stainless steel has much better corrosion
resistance than plain carbon steel. However, it is not corrosion proof. Chlorides, such as those
commonly found in pool water and toilet bowl cleaners, can cause surface pitting. Plastic or
aluminum hardware might be a better choice in certain applications. Anodized metals have a
protective layer that helps prevent corrosion. The initial cost of these materials may be slightly
higher, but the low maintenance will offset these higher initial costs to give a lower overall lifecycle
cost.
Some common uses and conditions to avoid for each hardware material, listed in the table below,
will help you find the right hardware finish for your application.
Hardware Material
Aluminum
Plastic Hardware
Stainless Steel
Zamac (or Zamak)
Price
$$$
$$
$$$
$
Common Uses
 Low to no maintenance solution
 Extremely lightweight and durable
components
 Recyclable
 Truly corrosion proof; will not
corrode or rot
 Easy to field modify / trim
 Excellent chemical resistance
 Does not conduct electricity
 Low to no maintenance solution
 Recyclable
 Corrosion resistance†
 High and low temperature
resistance
 Strength and durability
 Recyclable
Conditions to Avoid
 Abrasives remove
protective oxidation layer
 Acidic (low pH) solutions




Aesthetic matching; accepts a
broad assortment of finishes
High impact resistance
Dense material that gives a feel of
substance






Abrasives may scratch
the surface
Strong organic solvents,
such as acetone, may
dissolve the material
Abrasives remove
protective oxidation layer
Acidic (low pH) solutions
Chlorides
Abrasives scratch the
surface and is not
repairable
Acidic (low pH) solutions
Unfortunately, accidents happen. What should you do if toilet bowl cleaner accidentally spills on your
stainless steel pilaster shoes or if an acidic cleaner comes in contact with your aluminum continuous
bracket? There are a few easy steps that you can take to minimize the damage or prevent it
altogether. First, quickly rinse the affected area with an abundant amount of clean water. Next, dry
the entire area with a clean, dry cloth. The key is to act quickly. The longer these corrosive solutions
are in contact with the metal surface, the more damage they can cause.
If some cleaning solutions can damage hardware surfaces, then how can you safely clean hardware
that has become stained or soiled? In most cases, washing with soap or a mild detergent and warm
water followed by a clean water rinse is adequate. For additional cleaning instructions, see the table
below for some general guidelines on how to care for your partition or locker hardware.
Problem
Routine cleaning
Fingerprints
Stubborn stains and
discoloration
Rust or corrosion
Lime deposits from
hard water
Oil or grease
Cleaning Agent
Soap or mild detergent (dish soap)
and water (preferably warm water)
Soap and warm water or organic
solvent such as isopropyl alcohol
Mild, non-abrasive cleaning
solution (e.g. Weiman Stainless
Steel Cleaner & Polish)
Solution of one part white vinegar
to three parts water, baking soda
paste, or rust removers (e.g. Krud
Kutter Rust Remover and Inhibitor
or Goof Off Rust Stain Remover
for the bathroom)
Solution of one part white vinegar
to three parts water
Organic solvents such as isopropyl
alcohol
† Corrosion resistance is normally achieved when there is a
minimum of 13% (by weight) of chromium present. Type
201 and type 304 stainless steels are commonly used for
bathroom partition and locker hardware applications. The
composition of each is shown in the chart to the right.
They both have good corrosion resistance with chromium
content greater than 13%. There are two main differences
between the grades. Type 201 has higher manganese and
lower nickel content than type 304. Manganese is
commonly used as a substitute for nickel. Type 201 also
has a higher amount of carbon content for greater
hardness and strength.
Additional Instructions
Sponge, rinse with clean water, wipe
dry if necessary
Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
Use a rag, sponge or soft nylon brush
(an old toothbrush can be useful).
Rinse well with clean water and wipe
dry.
Use a rag, sponge or soft nylon brush
(an old toothbrush can be useful).
Rinse well with clean water and wipe
dry. Let cleaning agent stand for 1015 minutes on tougher stains.
Soak in solution then brush to loosen.
Wash with soap and water, rinse with
clean water and wipe dry
COMPOSITION
Carbon
Manganese
Phosphorus
Sulfur
Silicon
Chromium
Nickel
Nitrogen
Iron
Type 201
0.15 max
8.50-10.50
0.060 max
0.030 max
1.00 max
13.50-16.00
1.00-3.00
0.20 max
Balance
Type 304
0.08 max.
2.00 max.
0.045 max.
0.030 max.
0.75 max.
18.00 – 20.00
8.00 – 12.00
0.10 max.
Balance
BP-01 Rev. 09182013