Each metal has its own unique set of qualities.

From their highest melting point to their inability to rust, creating products that stand the test of time mean respecting each material’s individuality. Tool supply companies have been embracing this simple truth for centuries, with the modern day holding the advantage of faster shipping and easier access to knowledge. What can the best carbide grinders do that a generic model can’t? What sets apart the best socket sets from the rest?

It’s time to become fluent in the language of metals, all the better to bring out the potential in your next machining product.

Stainless Steel

There’s a reason steel is the most used metal in the world. It’s durable, flexible, and able to be recycled without a drop in quality. Stainless steel, in particular, is found in many of today’s appliances and tools. Able to resist rust due to its mixture of steel and chromium, it’s both safe and versatile enough to keep us comfortable. Tool supply companies regularly find themselves investing in steel to provide customers with a basic foundation of quality.

Copper Alloy

Where stainless steel is relied upon for its durability and versatility, copper is a touch more specific. Among the most frequent uses for copper include being used as wiring for machinery, such as car motors and electric cables. It’s also common to see copper used for home gutters, favored both for its lovely sheen and its ability to withstand the test of time. Copper has a high melting point of just under 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for several machining processes.

Silver Combinations

Silver is often believed to be a rich and ritzy metal, just a step below gold, and this couldn’t be further from the truth. Before we look at craftsman die grinders and the best floor jack we need to look at silver from a mundane standpoint. It’s been used to coat coins and it can be found in several everyday appliances, mixed with other elements to curry durability. Possessed of a beautiful color, silver with higher purity content is still sought after in jewelry industries. This leads to the next metal on the list…

Basic Nickel

Tool supply companies are more than familiar with the function of nickel. In fact, stainless steel today wouldn’t be what it is without this vital element. The copper-nickel alloy is a popular combination for transportation industries, while mixing nickel and chromium together can create an even higher melting point. Contrary to popular belief, most metal we come into contact with isn’t pure. It’s a careful mixture of several types to create unique combinations and lasting results.

Tungsten Carbide

Last, but certainly not least, tool supply companies wouldn’t be what they are today without tungsten carbide. Today’s tungsten carbide boasts the highest melting point, even beating out silver and stainless steel. While you can certainly find powerful tungsten metal alloys, this is a material that can be encountered in much of today’s everyday applications. They can be applied as a protective coating and they can also encourage better heating, such as in furnaces and boilers. Grinders for tools, as you can imagine, have to be tough to keep up.

Variety is the spice of life. This is what keeps metals strong and products high quality.