how do you tell what different metals are?

**Mechanic688** · 03-19-2013, 05:12 PM

Originally Posted by vanno

I know a magnet will tell iron and steel from brass etc. But how does a person tell brass from copper and other metals.

You can tell by pictures, certain stuff may be made of brass but never copper, or visa/versa.

taste. if it is metalic on the left but not on the right then it's brass, zinc, lead. metallc on both sides alum. the only things that react with my gold crown is alum and stirling.

Also different metals will taste differently. Just like an old friend of mine (retired mechanic) could taste automatic transmission fluid and tell you just how burnt it was and if the transmission needed servicing.

**Otto** · 03-19-2013, 05:32 PM

Also different metals will taste differently.

It has to be cold for this to work though. Toss it in the freezer first, then try it. OK.....the angel on my left shoulder says don't do this. But if you do, the devil on my right shoulder wants to see you post a video of it.

**Mechanic688** · 03-19-2013, 06:41 PM

Originally Posted by Otto

It has to be cold for this to work though. Toss it in the freezer first, then try it. OK.....the angel on my left shoulder says don't do this. But if you do, the devil on my right shoulder wants to see you post a video of it.

Yea,,, the old tongue on the flagpole trick,,, I'm watching you,,,