Testing Brass Plated Hardware

[dq7133]

Hi guys,

I have a buckle that's cast with zinc alloy and plated with brass.

Wondering if there are any good rudimentary tests that I could run to see how well the plating will hold up. So far I've scrubbed a section with steel wool and am now soaking the piece in vinegar and the platting is still holding up.

Obviously this isn't going to be an exact science, but I'm hoping to get a feel for its longevity.

The hardware is going to be used on a bag that will experience some outdoor use (maybe some occasional rain), but nothing too serious.

Has anyone had good experience with brass plated hardware?

Thanks!

[cgleathercraft]

Could try rubbing it across the edges of several different objects. Basically anywhere the buckle could experience damage of any kind - chairs, desks, differnt style flooring(concrete comes to mind), gravel. These seem a bit extreme, but I doubt someone will rub through the plating in a short amount of time with normal wear and tear.

[byggyns]

It depends on the level of use, but the plating will wear off. I have a belt that was made for me about 10 years ago at an amish leather shop (well before I started doing leatherwork). The nickel plating has worn off at the underside of the buckle where the billet moves through- leaving the solid brass behind. The plating has also worn off of the top of the snaps that hold the buckle end closed, leaving the bare steel. The other belt that I have with brass plated snaps has done the same thing on the snap heads. That buckle is solid brass, so no plating to rub away there. This is, of course the wear that happens over a long period of time on the only 2 belts I ever wear. Something that isn't used as often or as hard won't have as much of a problem.