Which will last longer, look better and scratch less?

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ali
Senior Member

Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 490

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:20 am Post subject: Which will last longer, look better and scratch less?

Solid stainless steel or chrome plated solid brass?

Does the ss scratch easily? Will the chrome plate wear off or look dull in time?

It's for handles btw.

Dont know which is best to go for. scratch

Hitch
Senior Member

Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 2429
Location: Somerset

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:28 am Post subject:

Chrome plating is very hard wearing as long as its done well. If it cheap chromed it will last, but not as long. Shouldnt scratch easily either.

Solid stainless are probably a slightly duller finish, and again doesnt really scratch that easily. Youd never have a prolem with chipping or flaking with the SS, and if it did get scratched you could polish it out.
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ali
Senior Member

Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 490

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:03 am Post subject:

Thanks Hitch. Thumbright

Now that you've given me the lowdown on them..........

......just make my mind up for me! Laughing

Hoovie
Devon DIYer

Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 7773
Location: East Devon

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:18 am Post subject:

Ali - I will throw in one bit of advice from experience - avoid those bargain multi-pack handle sets from Wickes, B&Q and the like - the plating comes off within a couple of years and they look - and feel - horrible then.
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Hitch
Senior Member

Joined: 16 Jan 2006
Posts: 2429
Location: Somerset

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:18 am Post subject:

Depends on the look your after Ali!
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ali
Senior Member

Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 490

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:39 am Post subject:

Lol Hitch. Nicely swerved. Laughing

I think the solid stainless steel has the edge right now.

Hoovie....been there, done that, lol. Not only is the plating dodgy, the handles tend to have a lot of movement in them too between the handle itself and the backplate or rose so it kinda wiggles, iyswim.

Been told there is a huge profit margin on handles and there are ebay sellers selling the exact same handle for a tenner that sells for £30 in shops. I need 12 sets so any savings I can make would be good but I'm wary. I do know of someone who has bought this way and the quality is very good but it's a risk whether what I bought would be the same.

(*Refer to past examples of flipping bad luck*) Laughing

Hoovie
Devon DIYer

Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 7773
Location: East Devon

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:48 am Post subject:

Ali - I am looking for handles as well. In my case satin chrome/stainless finish (I need 10 sets).
You have any sources identified yet?
Nearest I have seen for what I am looking for is Screwfix- £16 a set. Not looked on eBay actually
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If you have a son, DO NOT name him after a verb ....
"Neil, Standup. Neil, Standup"
"Which is it, man?"

ali
Senior Member

Joined: 07 Nov 2007
Posts: 490

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

http://www.morehandles.co.uk/SubCats.cfm?category=2

I know someone who has bought from this place and been happy but this eBay seller below seems to be selling the (exact ?) same handle for half the price.

Example:

http://www.morehandles.co.uk/Details.cfm?ProdID=3362&category=2&secondary=9

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/8-Sets-Solid-Stainless-Steel-Door-Handles-MX053-Roma_W0QQitemZ270248165741QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270248165741&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I emailed the seller and told him I needed 12 sets (of another type of solid ss handle he was selling) for a project and they had to be quality handles - manufacturer seconds or graded stock with nicks/scratches in the metal, loose mechanisms etc were not acceptable and there was no point in me wasting his time if that was what he was selling. He replied saying the handles were top quality and he gave me a good price for 12 sets (£112 + £8 postage).

Who knows though? It's all a risk. Having said that, with my luck, I could shop in the most expensive upmarket store in the land and STILL end up with flawed goods. Laughing

Tryanything
Senior Member

Joined: 18 Aug 2007
Posts: 1370
Location: Essex

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:52 am Post subject:

Hi Ali
You may find that the price reflects on the quality and also the grade of stainless steel used,
as some grades are suited to a better purpose than others

Quote from www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

Description
316 grade stainless steel is a higher grade of metal that is resistant to oxidisation and corrosion even in the most extreme environments. You can safely specify and fit these 316 products on:

interior and exterior doors
washroom environments that are prone to damp
kitchen environments where the metal is ideally suited to hygienic conditions
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