how to ID wrought iron?

rocketmann

rocketmann

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Dec 24, 2005
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I was at a local flea market today and there were a lot of hinges, wagon/buggy wheels and assorted junk. I was looking to pick up some wrought iron for guards and such but I couldn't tell for sure if was the good stuff or just pig iron:confused: ..Everything had a layer of rust as is typical. how can I id wrought iron at a glance???:( .. thanks for any help. louis
 
The wagon wheels will be the easiest to identify but its still kind of tuff. Look for layering on the edges. The only sure fire way to tell is after the purchase. Making a cut about 3/4 to 7/8 of the way threw the material and bending it. It most likly will break but it will also show a fiberous structure if it is wrought iron.
 
If it is really rusted bad it will look like a bundle of uncooked spagetti noodles almost. Whereas regular mild steel will have crater pitting/dimpling. If the wrought is not too old then it will still pit. I have a link of anchor chain that is wrought but it does not etch out to any real distinct pattern like the stuff that is over 100 yrs. old.

It also has a very distinct smell I found out when you grind or cut it. I have a blood hound nose so that may not be the best way to test it for most people.
 
The wrought iron was made in several different grades. The anchor chain being a much higher grade compaired to the iron used for wagon wheels. At least for me I don't get the pattern from the anchor chain that I get from the wagon wheels.
 
rocketmann said:
well I'll try sniffing the next wagon wheel I see and see if that helps :D :D :D
Click to expand...

Just make sure nobody is watching when you do it. And don't lift your leg or you will really scare people.
 
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