Very hard metal

Originally Posted by TheCreator

Non magnetic, I don't have an acid test kit handy. Will try some other household chemicals to see if there is any reaction.

Probably stainless steel, now here's a bit of magic. Take a pair of pliers then bend the metal strip back and forth until it breaks - now try your magnet near the broken ends.

Stainless steel work hardens and becomes slightly magnetic.

https://www.finishing.com/112/70.shtml

Q. I have been using some type 316 stainless steel threaded pipe fittings in a system containing sulphuric acid. A city inspector came to my site and put a magnet up to the pipe fittings and it stuck. Although the fittings had type 316 cast into the body, he stated that they could not be stainless steel because they are magnetic. I have been told that the machining of the fittings, such as cutting the threads, can cause them to become magnetic. Is this true, and if so where can I find something in writing to show the inspector ?
Thank you,
David Hathaway
- Pico Rivera, California, USA

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(2001) A. We've seen this question in this forum before [letters 7136, 21171 ... ].
Type 316 stainless can be made magnetic by working the metal.