Brass Hinges
Brass is a metal alloy made of zinc and copper. Known for its high malleability and low friction production, brass is useful in metal casting, especially in hinging.
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Applications of Brass Hinges
Used for various types of industrial products, furniture, and home applications, brass hinges are an alternative to other metal alloy hinges like steel, stainless steel, bronze, and nickel.
Most frequently, brass hinges are used on doors, specifically exterior doors. Brass hinges are used on doors for a few reasons. First of all, door hinges must be quite sturdy, as they are vulnerable to wearing and corrosion from their frequent use. While stainless steel is as strong as brass, it does not respond well to any coating materials and becomes susceptible to rust, especially near oceans or salt lakes. This rules it out for exterior hinge use, which ushers in the brass hinge.
Benefits of Using Brass Hinges
While it is true that brass requires extra treatment for salt water, it is a sturdy metal that can withstand bad weather and many air conditions, such as rain, smog, and salt air. Also, brass can form thicker hinges than stainless steel.
Another thought to consider is that, though brass hinges are more expensive than steel hinges, they lend a more quality and classic look to a finished product. Brass hinges lend a Victorian or antique feel to a door. They can even be designed to have some of this detailing. Brass responds well to finishes and will retain a broad array of colors. Brass materials may be polished, lacquered, chrome-plated, japanned, or finished with simple copper. Lacquer is a liquid made of synthetic materials, or of shellac dissolved in alcohol. Lacquer dries to form a hard, protective coating and can be used on brass hinges to improve reliability and longevity.