why are keys made of brass?
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why are keys made of brass?
Keys are typically made of brass because it has hard and soft properties that allow it to be strong and flexible enough to repeatedly open locks and bend without breaking. Also it’s hard properties allow it to withstand cutting by a key machine or filed down by hand for certain applications if necessary.
Why are keys made out of metal?
Metal locks would dmg the plastic keys. And a plastic lock would be easier to break. Therefore a metal key is required to allow for a strong lock.
Does copper and zinc make brass?
Are keys made of brass?
Keys are typically made of brass or a nickel-brass mixture, and the pins in a lock are also made of brass. Over years of use, keys and pins do wear down.
What steel are keys made from?
Typically, key stock is made from carbon steel or stainless steel, but can also be made from aluminum, brass, copper, monel, and even nylon, all with varying material grades. AISI 316 stainless is also available for marine applications.
Are brass keys better than steel?
Steel keys are stronger and more resistant to bending. they can be hidden on the frame of a motorcycle or car with a small rare-earth magnet. Steel can rust, particularly in the cut area, where brass may simply discolor. Over the years, steel keys can wear the internals of their locks more so than brass keys.
Are Keys made of metal or aluminum?
Typically, key stock can be made from carbon steel or stainless steel, but other materials with varying material grades include aluminium, brass, copper, and even nylon. Nickel silver, in particular, is one of the strongest materials used for keys as it can prevent key breakage.
Are Keys magnetic?
No, keys are not especially magnetic. However, any small steel body can be magnetized (some types of steel may resist being polarized).
why is brass used for locks?
Similarly, what metal are locks made of? The internal mechanisms of locks are generally made of brass or die-cast zinc. The cam, which is the tongue that protrudes from the lock to secure it, is usually made of steel or stainless steel. The outer casing of a lock may be made of brass, chrome, steel, nickel or any other durable metal or alloy.
Are brass padlocks weatherproof?
Low-cost weatherproof padlocks feature low-quality brass or lamination. Such locks have plastic jackets to provide some protection. The high-quality padlocks are made of brass, phosphor bronze or stainless steel materials.
What Are Keys Made Of?
It’s common knowledge that the majority of door and car keys are made out of metal. If you weren’t sure exactly what metal they were made of, or even how they were made, then you’re in luck! Out and About Locksmith Canberra decided today we would share this information with you.
The majority of house keys are made out of a combination of nickel and silver, or brass. While most keys come in either silver or brown colouring, they are able to be plated in assorted colours as well. This plating will wear over time as it is just a coating.
When keys are manufactured, it is in a machine called a Mill. The process of the key being created itself is known as milling. Finally, the key, before being lasered/cut into its unique pattern, is called a blank. During production, it is even possible to have a company’s brand or logo embossed on the head of the key.
Key barrels, cylinders and locks are manufactured in a similar fashion, in a production machine called a lathe. While we don’t manufacture keys, for all your locksmith needs, you can call on the services of us here at Out and About Locksmith. You can contact us anytime for a quote on a complete security system for your home. We even do emergency services if you lock yourself out of the house or car.
Most commonly used metals on keys made
Steel is perhaps the most common metal used to make keys. But there are many others, it all depends on the location. For example, in Germany and Spain, steel is a predominant metal in making keys while in the US, Australia, and New Zealand the use of brass tends to be widespread. Iron is also used. In fact, it’s one of the first metals used to make keys. Wrought iron, in particular, has been here for years and the very first keys were mostly made of this metal.
Nickel, aluminum, zinc, and nickel silver are some other metals that are used a lot by key cutters. They are, however, not as popular as steel or brass. But what if you are looking for something aesthetically pleasing? Keys can also be custom made to look like a work of art. In such a case, aluminum will come handy. The metal can easily be painted and this makes customization easier. Keys made of brass are also considered fancy keys. Fancy keys are basically colorful and custom made keys that have unique designs.
The fascinating variety of keys that we have today is inspired by many different reasons. But the different types of metals that are used to make the keys have always escaped the attention of many. Well, as you can see, there are many types of metals used in making keys and the ones above are some of the most common ones.
Why Are There Various Metals?
From wrought iron as once being the primary material for keys to having a wide range of metals nowadays, keys can be made from all sorts of materials. However, why are there so many?
There are several practical factors to consider when it comes to the type of metal used for a key. The main factor is cost. Most keys that are made out of steel usually cost less than, say, brass.
Workability and aesthetics are also considered. To some, keys aren’t just used to open doors; they are also accessories. Therefore, some metals such as aluminium are the preferred type of material for a key.
Additionally, some metals are easier to customise. For example, aluminium is much easier to customise as it can be painted on. Meanwhile, keys made out of brass are considered “fancy.” As such, the material of the key can depend on the desired cost, workability, and aesthetics.
Steel vs Brass Keys
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There’s not much of the way of controversies in the world of keys. Still, I have gotten some heated emails on the subject of steel vs. brass keys. One guy was entirely convinced that I was somehow ripping him off by shipping a steel key. He calmed down a bit when I offered a refund and further when I pointed out that the manufacturer of his car, Porsche, originally shipped the vehicle with a steel key. The majority of aftermarket keys available today are brass. Some are plain brass and have the classic brass color. Most of the shiny bright silvery keys you see are actually nickel-plated brass. Once these are cut, you’ll see the brass color on the inside.
However, I run into a lot of original keys and a few aftermarket that are steel — these are usually nickel-plated too. This is particularly common in German marques like BMW and Porsche.
So which is better?All else being equal:
The biggest difference, however, is that some locksmiths will simply refuse to work on steel keys, due to concerns about it prematurely wearing their equipment. I’ve even heard some say things like “you can’t cut steel with steel,” which is ridiculous to anyone who has ever used a hacksaw. A complicating factor is the nickel coating on many brass keys is itself magnetic, particularly if the plating is thick. Some locksmiths or hardware stores who don’t want to cut steel will test the key with a magnet, and if there’s the slightest attraction, will refuse to cut. You may need to educate the person cutting the key blank that a slight magnetic attraction does not mean the key is steel. A steel key will have a strong attraction to a magnet.
So keep this in mind when buying key blanks. When unspecified, you can assume keys from Motokeys are brass. We try to identify steel keys in our listings, but don’t always catch that. We’ve even seen production runs from the same manufacturer, under the same part number, made in different metals. At our shop, we cut steel all the time. If you accidentally buy a steel key and don’t want it, we always take returns.
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