What are the 5 main types of metal fitting?

If you ever break down the hardware,  you may found a plastic or metal attachment that serves a specific function: clip, snap, rotate, hook, grab, loop, and the like.

Since we only make and sell metal hardware, this easy will focus on the 5  main types of metal accessories used for building hardware in leather: zinc, copper, nickel, iron, stainless steel.

Zinc

Often seen in Zinc die cast. Zinc was developed in the 1820’s. It’s one of the older metals we learned to extract and manipulate, which can tell you a lot about its quality. It’s a rough metal to work with; it doesn’t age well, and it is not very forgiving to constant wear and tear. It’s extremely light-weight, so when you pick up a piece of zinc of hardware in one hand, and the same hardware made of steel in the other, you’ll notice the difference.

Copper

Copper is mostly seen for rivets and specialty hardware. It’s extremely corrosion resistant, and over the years will look like the statue of liberty.

Brass

Brass is extremely strong and corrosion resistant, which is why it is used in marine applications. It also starts as a beautiful alloy, and over time gains a beautiful patina. It’s a win-win.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is considered the cream of the crop. It does not corrode, rust, or stain, and is extremely strong, making it a premium material to work with.

Iron

It can make into different shape and it cost little.