Name that rod

need more info. sounds like it might be carbon.

Is it magnetic? May be cast iron, just thinking out loud here.

Originally Posted by bigjoshl

Is it magnetic? May be cast iron, just thinking out loud here.

Don't think it's iron. The magnets completely ignore it.

If it is not magnetic, but is colored similar to steel it could be zinc or magnesium, aluminum is usually whiter in color than steel.If you have a grinder see if it sparks that could narrow down the options.

Originally Posted by bigjoshl

If it is not magnetic, but is colored similar to steel it could be zinc or magnesium, aluminum is usually whiter in color than steel.If you have a grinder see if it sparks that could narrow down the options.

No sparks on the grinder, which barely touches it btw. Also heating with a propane torch does not produce any glow. I'm starting to wonder if it could be carbide?

Originally Posted by olddude

need more info. sounds like it might be carbon.

Here's a bit more. It is not iron since it fails the magnet test. Horribly. It is roughly the color of steel but I have the worst eye for color.