Subbing diodes in power supplies (1n400x series)

[sfr]

I'm building the UltraClean PS on GGG, and I don't have any 1N4002 in my bins, and the local dealer has the rest of the 1N400x series other than the oh-twos.  Now, I remember reading somewhere that most of the 1N400x series were all actually 1N4007s, except that those batches that failed for the voltage breakdown specs of the higher voltage 1N4007 were sold as the lower voltage 1N4002s, 1N4005s, etc . . . (again, this is probably from the interweb or something, so I take it with a grain of salt) and that some suppliers were actually shipping 1N4007s as replacements for 1N4002s, as the yield on the higher-voltage oh-sevens was higher as of late.  (again, this is word of mouth)

So, really, there shouldn't be any reason I couldn't sub a higher-voltage 1N400x series for the 1N4002 in my powersupply, I just shouldn't go *down* to a 1N4001?  Or am I mistaken?  Are there other factors I need to consider like the forward voltage drop?   And does anyone know if the hearsay I've heard about 1N400x manufacturing is true or just so much talk?

[Bernt]

You are right. Just close your eyes and pick a 1N4007. Or anything over 1N4002.
Regards, Bernt.

[Samuel]

Also worth looking at what voltage will be passed through the diode. If its less than 50V, you should be safe with a 4001, too.