the gold shiny bolts found in light switches and other electronics

[bluemeate]

hey, so i keep encountering this magnetic metal that looks like brass but has a shiny oil-like rainbow glow on it... thats just plain steel, with some sort of fancy coating, right?



also if its magnetic, it cannot be brass, correct?

[billygoat]

Right. Correct.

[chrisc]

there are many types bolts with different grades.it sounds like coating like this

[Mechanic688]

[QUOTE=chrisc;102741]there are many types bolts with different grades.it sounds like coating like this.

It's called anodizing, they can do almost any color.

[bluemeate]

i thought anodizing is only on aluminum.

another question: must anodized alum be thrown in with painted aluminum?

[Pnutfarmer]

Hi, just browsing through and saw your post about the plated bolts. I found out what this rainbow looking plating is while restoring my old car. It's cadmium. I don't think it increases the value any, but it's always nice to know what something is.