From Properties to Uses: A No-Nonsense Brass Guide

13 Jun 2025

Brass – it’s golden, tough and shows up everywhere from door handles to jazz bands. But how much do you actually know about it? Whether you’re working on a DIY build or sourcing stock for a bigger job, knowing the ins and outs of brass can save you time, money and effort.

This guide cuts through the fluff to give you the no-nonsense facts on brass – what it is, what types to use and why it might be the metal your next project’s crying out for.

Article in brief

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc – tweak the mix, and you get different strengths and uses.

It’s rust-free, antimicrobial, non-sparking and great for machining, bending or polishing.

Common brass types include CZ108 (decorative), CZ121 (machining) and CZ130 (fittings).

Used in plumbing, instruments, architecture, marine parts and electrical components.

Easy to work, fully recyclable and built to last – brass is as practical as it is polished.

1

What is brass?

Brass is an alloy made by combining copper and zinc. Sounds simple, but change that ratio and you get different types of brass with different strengths, colours and uses.

It’s not a new material – brass has been around for thousands of years. The Romans used it for coins, and it gets name-dropped in the King James Bible and Shakespeare. Fast forward to the modern day, and you’ll still find it everywhere from instruments and plumbing to shop fittings and handrails.

2

Brass properties

So, why does brass keep showing up in the trade? Because it’s a proper all-rounder.

  • Looks good – That golden shine gives brass an edge in both commercial and decorative use. Bold as brass, anyone?
  • Easy to work with – Depending on the grade, it cuts, bends and machines with ease.
  • Doesn’t rust – Brass won’t rust like steel. It forms a protective green patina instead.
  • Safe in sensitive environments – It’s non-magnetic, non-sparking and naturally antimicrobial. That means it’s used in hospitals, marine gear and anywhere sparks are a no-go.

3

Types of brass and their differences

The main difference between brass types? Zinc content. That single variable changes how brass behaves.

  • Alpha brass – Up to 37% zinc. Malleable and great for cold working (bending, rolling, drawing).
  • Beta brass – More than 45% zinc. Stronger, but needs to be hot worked.
  • Alpha-beta brass (duplex) – 37–45% zinc. Offers a middle ground that’s less ductile than alpha, but tougher and cheaper.
  • White brass – Over 50% zinc. Brittle and only really used for casting or brazing.

4

Brass grades you'll actually use

There are over 60 types of brass, but only a handful you’ll run into day-to-day. Here are the ones that matter:

  • CZ108 (CW508L) – Great for decorative jobs, bending and general use. Yellow brass that’s easy to cold form.
  • CZ121 (CW614N) – The go-to grade for machinists. With 100% machinability, it’s perfect for turning, knurling and fast work on a lathe.
  • CZ130 (CW624N) – Tougher than CZ108, this duplex brass machines well and has a bright natural polish. Good for fittings and electrical components.
  • CZ126 (CW707R) – Packed with corrosion resistance, thanks to a bit of arsenic. Ideal for underground, marine or steam applications.

5

Common uses for brass

You’ve seen brass on posh door handles, but its real versatility goes far beyond looks. Here’s where it pulls its weight:

  • Machined components – Thanks to excellent machinability, brass is often used in fasteners, plugs and pins.
  • Decorative and architectural fittings – With its golden finish, it’s a favourite for shop fittings, handrails and furniture trims.
  • Musical instruments – Think trumpets, trombones and saxophones. Brass offers a great tone and doesn’t tarnish easily.
  • Marine and plumbing applications – CZ126 and other corrosion-resistant grades handle water, steam and chemicals like pros.
  • Electrical components – Non-magnetic and conductive, brass works brilliantly in low-voltage gear and terminals.

6

Working with brass: what to expect

Whether you’re sawing, soldering or bending it, brass behaves differently depending on the grade. Here’s what to know:

  • Cutting – Most grades can be cut with hand tools or bench saws. For finer work, a carbide blade or even plasma will get cleaner results.
  • Machining – CZ121 is your best mate here. Its lead content acts like a built-in lubricant, giving clean chips and smooth feeds.
  • Welding and joining – Stick to brazing and soldering for best results. Some brass types don’t weld well, especially those with higher lead content.
  • Annealing and tempering – Need to soften things up? Brass can be annealed at 400–650°C and slowly cooled. But watch your temps – quenching can cause cracks.

7

Corrosion resistance: brass vs rust

Let’s clear one thing up – brass doesn’t rust. That’s iron’s problem. Brass forms a natural tarnish or green patina over time – think of statues and old instruments. It’s harmless and can be polished off if needed.

Want to keep that golden shine? A quick polish or a lacquer coat will keep brass looking fresh for years.

Recycling and sustainability


That’s not all. Brass is also 100% recyclable without losing strength or integrity. Offcuts, swarf or full pieces can all go back into the system, which is handy for both the planet and your wallet. Free-machining brass like CZ121 holds its value particularly well in scrap.

Strong, stylish and simple to work with

Brass ticks every box – durable, good-looking and a dream to work with (if you pick the right grade). Whether you’re after corrosion resistance, easy machining or that unmistakable golden finish, there’s a brass that’ll do the job right.

So, whether you’re a fabricator, maker or just kitting out your next big DIY project – don’t settle for second best.

At The Metal Store, we’ve got brass in all the right shapes, sizes and specs – including CZ108, CZ121 and CZ130. Plus, we’ll cut it to your exact size for free and deliver it fast, anywhere in the UK.

Shop brass at The Metal Store today and get your next project off to a solid, shiny start.

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