TR6 How to distinguish between stainless and aluminum

[ichthos]

I am considering buying some wheel trim rings from a gentleman on the forum. The pics he sent me look like stainless steel. He said he used a magnet, and the magnet would not stick. Since magnets pretty much only attach to ferrous metals, that would not help much. I had thought possibly comparing weights. Anyone have any other way to tell the difference?

 

[Geo Hahn]

If he's willing to scratch it (e.g. on the backside) then the Mohs Scale would could certainly distinguish between aluminum and stainless steel:

https://www.jewelrynotes.com/the-mohs-scale-of-hardness-for-metals-why-it-is-important/

An ordinary sharp kitchen knife would easily scratch aluminum but not have much affect on S/S.

 

[trglory]

If it has a brushed satin finish, it's likely to be aluminum; if it's shiny, it's probably stainless.

 

[ichthos]

Thanks. I think the finish alone would separate the two. I am familiar with the Mohr scale, but never thought of using it on the trim rings. I am guessing the stainless is nickel?

 

[ed_h]

Stainless is majority iron with significant chromium and often nickle and other things added. Some stainless is magnetic.

Rub the part with steel wool on the backside. On aluminum it will be easy to change the surface finish. On SS, much harder.

Ed

 

[pdplot]

I think they're stainless. I don't have any steel wool at the moment. My wife won't let any in the house. She's seen what it can do in my hands.

 

[ed_h]

With some experience, you also can tell by color. Aluminum is normally sort of a silver-white, stainless more silver-gray.

Ed