how do you tell what different metals are?

**vanno** · 07-09-2012, 11:14 PM

I know a magnet will tell iron and steel from brass etc. But how does a person tell brass from copper and other metals.

**hobo finds** · 07-09-2012, 11:17 PM

http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/scrap...-isri-etc.html

**vanno** · 07-10-2012, 01:13 PM

don't get your response. Where is the metal info that you are referring to?

**miked** · 07-10-2012, 01:26 PM

If you place your cursor on his post and hit enter it will lead you to the thread that answers your question. Mike.

**scrappy888** · 07-12-2012, 02:36 AM

Dude ur not dumb..u found this forum..research a bit..its not difficult...gl

**badkarma506** · 03-19-2013, 07:35 PM

taste. if it is metalic on the left but not on the right then it's brass, zinc, lead. metallc on both sides alum. the only things that react with my gold crown is alum and stirling.

**Mechanic688** · 03-19-2013, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by vanno

I know a magnet will tell iron and steel from brass etc. But how does a person tell brass from copper and other metals.

You can tell by pictures, certain stuff may be made of brass but never copper, or visa/versa.

taste. if it is metalic on the left but not on the right then it's brass, zinc, lead. metallc on both sides alum. the only things that react with my gold crown is alum and stirling.

Also different metals will taste differently. Just like an old friend of mine (retired mechanic) could taste automatic transmission fluid and tell you just how burnt it was and if the transmission needed servicing.

**Otto** · 03-19-2013, 08:32 PM

Also different metals will taste differently.

It has to be cold for this to work though. Toss it in the freezer first, then try it. OK.....the angel on my left shoulder says don't do this. But if you do, the devil on my right shoulder wants to see you post a video of it.

**Mechanic688** · 03-19-2013, 09:41 PM

Originally Posted by Otto

It has to be cold for this to work though. Toss it in the freezer first, then try it. OK.....the angel on my left shoulder says don't do this. But if you do, the devil on my right shoulder wants to see you post a video of it.

Yea,,, the old tongue on the flagpole trick,,, I'm watching you,,,

**metalrecyclingmachine** · 03-20-2013, 03:16 AM

yeah, learning about their features will be helpful in identifying them.

**disk80** · 03-21-2013, 08:52 AM

I use a metal file. Take off the top layer you can see the color better and copper is softer/easier to file in to than brass.aluminum is softer than ss. a file will burn into aluminum ,ss not so much

**taterjuice** · 03-21-2013, 09:37 AM

To tell if it's stainless it'll be non magnetic and throw sparks. It is true some stainless is magnetic most yards don't pay any more for magnetic stainless than regular shred.

**BroJer** · 03-21-2013, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by vanno

I know a magnet will tell iron and steel from brass etc. But how does a person tell brass from copper and other metals.

ummmmm wellllllllllll it's like this...it comes with time and experience! AND...reading reading and READING on the forum. If you don't like to read, just look around at alllllllllll the pretty pictures