Dual plated fasteners

A fastener, said fastener comprising:

• a head;
• a shank that is unitary and monolithic with said head, said shank having a threaded portion for introduction into a threaded aperture of a work piece;
• a coating comprising nickel and chrome plated on said head in contacting relationship therewith;
• a coating comprising zinc plated on said shank in contacting relationship therewith;
• said zinc coating being softer than said nickel and chrome coating and providing a natural oxide protection layer and cathodic protection for said shank;
• said zinc coating further providing a proper torque tension relationship between said work piece and said shank;
• and
• said nickel and chrome coating and said zinc coating being substantially non-overlapping.

A fastener to be connected with a work piece, said fastener comprising:

• predetermined exposed and unexposed portions, said portions being unitary and monolithic relative to each other;
• a first coating formed on said exposed portion in contacting interfacially bonded relationship therewith;
• an auxiliary coating formed on all or a portion of said unexposed portion in contacting relationship therewith;
• a second coating formed on said auxiliary coating and on areas of said unexposed portion not covered by said auxiliary coating, if any, in contacting relationship therewith;
• said second coating comprising a material that is relatively softer than said first coating for providing a solid, lubricious surface, said second coating material being oxidizable on its surface to form a natural protective oxide layer and having a cathodic characteristic that transforms said material into a protective coating when said second coating is removed to expose an underlying portion of said fastener;
• said second coating further providing a proper torque tension relationship between said work piece and said unexposed portion;
• and
• said first and second coatings being mechanically distinct from each other and substantially non-overlapping.