Need Copper Purse Hardware

[Tgrlily]

Does anyone know of a source for real copper bag clasps, swivel snaps and buckles? I make copper jewelry, so fabricating O-rings and such is easy. I'm pretty sure I can make a buckle if I really think about it and can definitely make my own conchos. I give clients the choice between copper, brass & nickel and they pick copper every time. I mean every single time! Bought some nice looking "brass" swing clasps at Tandy and they're not brass, so I'm struggling to electroplate them. The brass swivel snaps from Tractor Supply on the other hand, plated pretty well after removing the finish.

I've searched online for copper purse hardware, but most of it is mystery metal painted with an antique copper finish. I just can't do it. Since the O rings and rivets are actual copper, the fake stuff looks bad right beside it. They don't need to be made for handbags. Any suggestions would be most welcome!

[David8386]

Have you tried Ohio travel bag? I have never bought from them but they had some copper stuff listed. I have seen them mentioned in some other posts on the forum.

David

[Tgrlily]

I've tried looking at their site, but it isn't very iPad friendly and my laptop is down. I'll contact them to ask, thanks!

[Chief31794]

Ohio Travel Bag is a great supplier for all kinds of hardware, but they require a business license or a Tax ID, and the minimum order is $50.00

Don't have any idea about where to find copper hardware, clasps and such, perhaps a google of "Copper Hardware" might help.

Chief

[Tgrlily]

Thanks, Chief.

Believe me... I've googled and googled & find mostly things painted to look like copper.

The frustrating thing is that things are sold as "copper" but they're not copper. Same with brass. Heck, same with leather! I personally can't bring myself to call something copper if it's not actual copper. Guess I'm old school. I have no problem telling the client that I had to plate and use a brass clasp for their bag... at least brass contains copper and its not some mystery metal.

[Campchair]

Send some photos of what you have in mind. I get brass parts made out of investment castings for my own business, which is high-end oak-and-leather double rifle and shotgun fitted cases. I have to make my own because the old brass hardware makers were driven out of business by the Chinese. My caster can do copper. Q: Which alloy? Pure copper is VERY soft (as you know). There are some very high copper alloys that are much better for parts that will be subjected to stress, like clasps, D Rings, buckles, etc. that need resistance to bending. Check out the alloys and see what you might need. Mos are 80% or better pure copper and look and "weather" identicaly, but won't bend or break unexpectedly. TANDY: and anyone else that is importing "hardware" from China: I know EXACTLY what you are talking about. They use zinc castings, made in metal permanent moulds in high speed casting machines. I once worked making and repairing the metal moulds these machines utilize. To the Chinese suppliers, all "metal" is the same, and "Brass" describes a color, not a material. Most of this hardware is designed to accomodate the "fad and fashon" driven market, and is only expected to hold up a month or two till the next fad hits. Most of is dirt cheap, too. After 2-3 months of use, you can tell it, too. Google up "Alibaba" and search for handbag hardware. Interesting......sad, but interesting.

[Tgrlily]

Campchair,

I hadn't given much thought to having them fabricated. Is it very expensive? I'll definitely look into alloys, but it would have to be a very, very high percentage of copper. I use either 6 or 8 gauge copper wire to fabricate my hammered O rings, then I solder them with copper solder. More like brazing, I suppose.

In the pic, left to right is a TSC solid brass swivel snap that I plated and antiqued, a small purse side with 8 gauge rings and copper rivets, a faux brass swivel snap and the Tandy mystery metal swing clasp. The copper doesn't photograph well in artificial light.

Edited December 11, 2012 by Tgrlily

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

The main problems with copper are that it is soft, stains, quick to patina, forms verdigris, and is not inexpensive. At work we are currently paying around $10.50 or so a pound last I heard. As to casting it, it has a tendency to absorb oxygen during the melt, and can be very porus when cast if it isn't deoxidized properly.

How many of these are you looking for? Volume determines price.

[moosetrck1]

Hi Tiger Lily!

I'm looking for the same thing to match my copper rivet details! Did you have any luck finding copper hardware?

I took a trip to the hardware store and noticed they have copper coil and copper coupling, which could be experimented with to make rectangle rings or d-rings.

Anastasia

[makitmama]

I have had success using Etsy craftsmen to obtain buckles, like the link below. Things like snaps I have not been able to locate.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/152735147/handforged-copper-buckle?ref=shop_home_active

[Tgrlily]

No, I still haven't found copper hardware. I've had to fabricate my own O, D & square rings. I looked at the buckle on the etsy link and could do that myself. I haven't done a bag in a few months. I've been concentrating on leather masks.