## Common ground
All options are wire rods used in fastener manufacturing, specifically for nuts and bolts.
## Options at a glance
**7213 – Iron or non-alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from plain carbon steel without significant alloying elements.
- **Typical examples:** Standard hex bolts, machine screws, common construction fasteners.
- **Best fit when:** High strength and low cost are priorities; no corrosion resistance needed.
**7213,7214,7221.00,7222,7227,7228 – Iron or steel (general)**
- **Defining trait:** Broad category covering all iron/steel wire rods, including non-alloy and alloy types.
- **Typical examples:** General-purpose fasteners for industrial use.
- **Best fit when:** Product details are unclear or cover multiple steel types.
**7221.00 – Stainless steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains chromium (≥10.5%) for corrosion resistance; non-magnetic in some grades.
- **Typical examples:** Marine hardware, food processing equipment, medical devices.
- **Best fit when:** Corrosion resistance and hygiene are critical.
**7228 – Other alloy steel**
- **Defining trait:** Contains alloying elements (e.g., chromium, molybdenum) for enhanced strength or heat resistance.
- **Typical examples:** High-strength bolts for automotive or aerospace applications.
- **Best fit when:** Superior mechanical properties under stress or high temperature are required.
**7403,7407 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Electrically conductive and corrosion-resistant; soft and malleable.
- **Typical examples:** Electrical connectors, decorative fasteners, non-sparking tools.
- **Best fit when:** Conductivity or non-magnetic properties are needed.
**7505.1X – Nickel**
- **Defining trait:** High resistance to corrosion and heat; used in extreme environments.
- **Typical examples:** Aerospace components, chemical processing equipment.
- **Best fit when:** Extreme durability and resistance to harsh conditions is essential.
**7601 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight with moderate strength; naturally corrosion-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Aircraft fasteners, consumer electronics, outdoor fixtures.
- **Best fit when:** Weight reduction is key and high strength isn’t required.
**8101.99 – Tungsten**
- **Defining trait:** Extremely hard and dense; used for wear resistance or high melting point.
- **Typical examples:** Specialized industrial tools, high-wear fasteners (rare).
- **Best fit when:** Unusually high hardness or heat resistance is needed.
## Key differences
| HS Code | Material Type | Corrosion Resistance | Strength Level | Weight |
|--------|---------------------|----------------------|----------------|------------|
| 7213 | Non-alloy steel | Low | Medium | Medium |
| 7213...| Iron/steel (general)| Varies | Varies | Varies |
| 7221.00| Stainless steel | High | Medium–High | Medium |
| 7228 | Alloy steel | Medium–High | High | Medium |
| 7403,7407| Copper | High | Low–Medium | Medium |
| 7505.1X| Nickel | Very high | High | High |
| 7601 | Aluminium | High | Low–Medium | Low |
| 8101.99| Tungsten | High | Very high | Very high |
## How to choose
- Is the wire made of plain carbon steel? → 7213
- Does it need corrosion resistance? → 7221.00 or 7505.1X
- Is it for high-stress or high-temp use? → 7228 or 7505.1X
- Is weight a key factor? → 7601
- Is conductivity required? → 7403,7407
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **7213** is a subset of **7213,7214,...**, so use the specific code if known.
- **Stainless steel (7221.00)** and **alloy steel (7228)** may overlap in some applications; prioritize based on corrosion vs. strength needs.
- **Copper** and **nickel** are rare for standard nuts/bolts—verify intended use.
- If unsure, use the most specific code matching material composition