Cabinet Knobs and More

Pewter Revealed

June 6th, 2007

A metal alloy in common use in cabinet hardware, pewter has a luster similar to silver.  It is comprised of mostly tin with some copper thrown in to harden the alloy.  Pewter, itself, is a relatively soft metal and can easily be hammered to shape.  Because it has a melting temperature of about 450 degrees (depending upon the mix), it doesn’t lend itself very well to culinary uses where the temperatures can exceed 500 degrees.  (Imagine a puddle of pewter at the bottom of your oven!)

For cabinet hardware, pewter does very well.  It pours well into molds and faithfully reproduces detailed contours.  It can be polished and/or finished in another metal, such as copper or bronze.  Beware of pewter alloys that contain lead (up to 15%!).  Fortunately, when it comes to cabinet hardware, lead is rarely used and most people don’t eat cabinet knobs!  At Knobs, Hinges and More, you will find cabinet hardware manufacturers who ensure there is no lead.  Using their wares, you can safely decorate a child’s room with the luster of silver without concern.

Entry Filed under: Miscellaneous