Abstract: A method for protecting a threaded metal joint from galling and corrosion includes providing a nanocrystalline coating on the metal surface. The nanocrystalline coating can include a solid or liquid lubricant to protect against wear. Threaded metal joint surfaces coated with the nanocrystalline coating can resist galling under high pressure and high torque, even after several fastening and unfastening operations and also over a long period of time. Protection from corrosion is also provided by the nanocrystalline coating. The method and nanocrystalline coating provide metal surfaces with both lubrication and protection against corrosion. Problems such as removal or leakage, which are associated with protective compounds that use oils, are avoided. The nanocrystalline coatings may be layers of the same material, or layers of differing materials, such as layers with lubricating particles dispersed throughout, and layers without lubricating particles.