Answering Your Top 5 Questions About Brass

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Brass is a ubiquitous metal, and yet you probably know very little about it. Want to know more? We&#;ve got you covered. Here are answers to the top five questions people ask about brass:

1. What Is Brass, Exactly?
   Brass is an alloy, meaning it&#;s actually made up of more than one type of metal. Basic modern brass contains about 67% copper and 33% zinc, though early versions of brass had different proportions and sometimes included other elements. You can now guess how much zinc a certain brass contains based on its color; the lighter the color, the more zinc is present.
2. Where Is Brass Used?
   Brass is used in a wide range of household applications, from décor to plumbing, as well as in industrial systems. You&#;ve probably used brass fixtures and brass fittings before, even if you didn&#;t know it. And, of course, brass is widely used in musical instruments.
3. Why Is Brass So Popular?
   Brass has a unique combination of properties that make it a preferred alloy for certain tasks. First of all, it has been prized for its bright gold color for millennia. Beyond that, brass is both malleable and durable, meaning that it&#;s relatively easy to shape and yet quite strong. That makes it perfect for mission-critical valves and fittings, for example. The average house loses 22 gallons of water each day to leakage, so it makes sense that plumbers would now want to use better materials to join and repair piping. Brass also resists corrosion and is anti-microbial, which makes it ideal for water-based systems.
4. Is Brass Safe in the Home?
   You may have heard that brass contains lead, and it&#;s true that lead is often added to brass &#; though only in concentrations around 2%, simply to harden the alloy. That means it&#;s still safe to have around your house. Just to be on the safe side, however, regulators have decided that parts used in potable water systems must have less than 0.2% lead in the brass alloy. That&#;s why there are both leaded and lead free brass fittings.
5. How Can I Buy Quality Brass?
   Although the basic makeup of brass is similar across the board, not all manufacturers are equal in quality. Only buy brass products of any kind from a manufacturer that has a long history and can provide you with plenty of references.

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Learn the quick way to identify brass vs. other metals. Tips and tests to distinguish real brass in everyday items

Contact us to discuss your requirements of copper clad stainless steel sheets. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

This guide will show you how to quickly identify brass from other metals. Learn the telltale signs and methods for accurate identification.

Do you love finding metal pieces when you are out thrift shopping or while at a flea market sale? Brass has become one of my favorite pieces to find for our home decor. I have found lamps, containers and so many candlesticks!

The candlesticks have a special place in my heart because they remind me of a certain special lady in my life. That story is for another day. Today, let&#;s figure out how to tell if something is brass! 

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