I've been using a custom built launch pad ever since I got into model rocketry three years ago (as a sophomore in High School). I bought a little rod and stuck it into a 2x4 bolted underneath an aluminum diamond plate with some gaff tape handles. Since then it's gone through two refurbishes but it is still using the same old diamond plate. Now it is a 3/16 rod, with diamond plate bolted ontop of a peice of pine and some nice 2x4s on each side to keep it off of the ground.



I have used hardened steel bolts to hold the diamond plate to the wood ever since I started building it and every time I refurbish it the bolts are nearly falling apart. I am currently working on replacing my 3/16 rod with a 5" tall piece of 80/20 bolted on using a bracket as well as tapping the hole and putting a bolt up the middle of it. I purchased 6 titanium bolts that will be used for the main rial because I want that to be secure and not have the bolts corrode over time. I don't want to spend the $$$ needed to replace all of the bolts with Ti though. What are some good alternatives that will be able to hold up over a long time on my launch pad. I launch everything from 1/4A to H right now, and I am planning to go bigger in the future.



Would some zinc plated steel screws hold up under the conditions of a rocket launch? Or are there other materials that will hold up better - maybe aluminum, chrome plated, etc?