WARNING Berilium Brass

SteelSlaver

SteelSlaver

Joined
Feb 17, 2007
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I was recently given a 12# "brass" hammer head. It was very yellowish and had some chips from the face. The guy who gave it to me had good intentions when he said I could clean it up and use or cut up for guards. I have worked in the oil industry much of my life and have ran across a good many brass tools. Hammers, wrenches, sockets and wedges.
Here is the thing many of the yellow brass appearing tools are a beryllium alloy. Berilium makes the brass much harder, but, it is also toxic. It can cause a variety of physical ailments and should be avoided. Do not grind, solder or mess with it in anyway.
If you come across any brass tools be very wary of using them for anything besides what the were intended for. Don't use them for metal stock.
Just thought I would bring this up as many are probably not aware of Beryllium/Brass and the dangers

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/beryllium/recognition.html
 
Normally called beryllium copper , also beryllium bronze ,it contains up to 3% beryllium. Strong, non-magnetic, non-sparking ,an excellent alloy except for the toxicity of beryllium !!
Do not attempt this at home !!!
 
Another strange and wonderful brass fact; they're not allowed to use lead in brass used to make keys unless the keys will be plated. Any guesses as to how long the plating lasts on a key? I replaced some door knobs less than two years ago and the nickel/chrome plating is completely worn off the keys. the keys and locks were chinese made, I can only imagine how much lead is in those keys.
 
Unless you are grinding, melting or eating the keys I wouldn't worry about it much. I have cast thousands of bullets and except for the fact that all my kids were born without teeth I haven't noticed any ill effects.
 
Word among shooters and reloaders is that letting small kids play with “keys” is more of a lead exposure issue then the “reloading” Unless people are making paint chip porridge:barf:
 
Thats to bad, I have a giant brass sledge that I was going to cut up.
My kid was born without teeth and naked.:eek:
 
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