Stainless steel is one of the most common materials in which handles are made. Whether you’re shopping for a ball handle, a pull handle, adjustable handles, or crank handles, you can probably find it in stainless steel. Stainless steel handles have pros and cons Below is a breakdown of some of the pros and cons of stainless steel handles.
Pro: Corrosion Resistance
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that stainless steel handles are resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel is an iron alloy that contains chromium (as well as nickel in some types of stainless steel). The presence of this chromium protects it from corrosion. You can use a stainless steel handle in a humid environment without fear of it rusting or corroding.
Pro: Aesthetics
Most people will agree that stainless steel handles look nice. They offer a consistent bright and shiny appearance. Other types of handles often have a dull or matte appearance, resulting in a lower level of aesthetics. Stainless steel handles offer a higher level of aesthetics thanks to their bright and shiny appearance that’s consistent throughout.
Pro: Nonmagnetic
Stainless steel handles are also nonmagnetic. Why does this matter? Some applications require the use of nonmagnetic handles. If a handle produces a magnetic field, it may attract other magnetic objects nearby. Alternatively, magnetic handles may damage certain electronics. Stainless steel handles are nonmagnetic, though, so they won’t cause these or other problems.
Con: Cost
While stainless steel handles aren’t particularly expensive, they tend to cost more than handles made of other materials. You can find handles made of plastic and other similar synthetic materials. These handles typically cost less than their stainless steel counterparts.
Con: Weight
Weight is a potential downside of stainless steel handles. Stainless steel handles typically weigh more than those made of other materials. They are denser and heavier than most other materials, so they usually weigh more. If weight is a concern, you may want to choose a handle made of a different material.
Stainless steel handles are undoubtedly popular — and for good reason. They are resistant to corrosion, nonmagnetic and offer a high level of aesthetics. With that said, stainless steel handles typically cost more and weigh more than other types of handles. By familiarizing yourself with these pros and cons, you can determine whether a stainless steel handle is right for you.