| STEP 1: Test the metal to see if its magnetic. If it sticks to the magnet, it is steel (ferrous); if the metal does not stick, it is non-ferrous. | STEP 2: Using a file, remove a small area of paint or plating to get to the base color of the metal. See the chart below to find the type of metal that fits by color and magnetic properties. | STEP 3: Click on the metal type on the left to find additional metal properties and typical uses. |
| METAL TYPE |
YELLOW | SILVER | RED | GRAY | MAGNETIC |
| Aluminum | x | ||||
| Brass | x | x | |||
| Copper | x | ||||
| Lead | x | ||||
| Magnesium | x | ||||
| 18 – 8 Stainless | x | ||||
| 400 Stainless | x | x | |||
| Zinc | x | ||||
| Zinc Die Cast | x |