Most Doorknobs Are Made of Brass — We Found Out Why | Gear Patrol (2024)

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The Ancient Egyptians used copper as a sterilizer. Now the metal is protecting us from coronavirus.

Most Doorknobs Are Made of Brass — We Found Out Why | Gear Patrol (1)Filo

Welcome to Further Details, a series dedicated to ubiquitous but overlooked elements hidden on your favorite products. This week: the reason why so many doorknobs are made of brass.

Few things are touched as often in a day as door knobs. Despite the necessity of door knobs, they’ve become something of a trap due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to a centuries-old decision to craft door knobs from brass, we can confidently say, well, it could be worse.

After America won the Revolutionary War, Americans began inventing things to replace the goods Europe once supplied. This included, believe it or not, the door knob. Door knobs weren’t necessary during colonial times when doors were about a quarter of an inch and secured with a latch. In the late 1800s, brass became the norm among most door knobs for its resistance to corrosion and rust. Now we’re seeing brass is more than just an aesthetic touch.

Health officials have said that coronavirus can live for days on hard surfaces. Brass, a copper alloy, appears to be an exception. Studies show that surfaces made of copper kills bacteria and viruses almost immediately on contact. The U.S. Environmental Protective Agency registered copper as the first antimicrobial solid surface material. This self-sanitizing phenomenon is called the oligodynamic effect.

Most Doorknobs Are Made of Brass — We Found Out Why | Gear Patrol (6)Sonia Tapia

Copper’s antibacterial properties are rooted in history. Ancient Egyptian medical texts documented the application of the metal to treat wounds and sterilize water. In light of the pandemic, today’s entrepreneurs and designers are working with the metal to fashion a plethora of no-touch tools to minimize how many public surfaces you have to touch.

Though we find comfort in knowing the invisible enemy is not invincible, door knobs are not the answer to the coronavirus — wearing a damn mask, washing your hands and maintaining proper social distancing standards is. Changing out the hardware can’t hurt, though.

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Most Doorknobs Are Made of Brass — We Found Out Why | Gear Patrol (2024)

FAQs

Most Doorknobs Are Made of Brass — We Found Out Why | Gear Patrol? ›

However, towards the end of the 1800s, brass became the most popular material for door knobs thanks to its durability as well as its rust resistant properties and added aesthetic appeal.

Explore More ›
Why are brass door knobs self sanitizing? ›

It's called the oligodynamic effect, and it's the result of metal ions in brass and copper having a toxic effect on molds, spores, viruses, and other living cells. Unvarnished brass doorknobs magically disinfect themselves in about eight hours.

Learn More ›
What material are doorknobs made up of and why? ›

The most common materials are metal alloys such as stainless steel, brass and zinc alloys. These are durable and offer a wide range of finishes, such as polished, brushed or antique. There are also door knobs made of wood, glass or plastic, which can be chosen depending on the desired style or application.

See Details ›
What property of brass makes it suitable for door handles? ›

One of the main advantages of brass sliding door handles is their durability. Brass is known for its strength and resistance to corrosion.

Tell Me More ›
Why is brass used in the manufacture of door handles while copper is not? ›

Durability: The reason why brass has been used for centuries is primarily due to its durability, strength and sturdiness. As a hardware piece used in high frequency, door handles require something that will be able to take the daily wear and tear of usage.

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Why are doorknobs made of brass? ›

However, towards the end of the 1800s, brass became the most popular material for door knobs thanks to its durability as well as its rust resistant properties and added aesthetic appeal.

Discover More ›
Does brass sterilize itself? ›

But before you restock your disinfectant arsenal, check out your hardware: While aluminum and stainless steel in particular are hotbeds for germs, studies show that brass, copper, and silver have self-sterilizing powers. It's not magic, it's science. It's called the oligodynamic effect.

Read The Full Story ›
Are brass door knobs antibacterial? ›

Studies have shown that surfaces made of uncoated copper, brass or bronze, begin neutralizing bacteria immediately, killing more than 99.9% within two hours*. An unlacquered solid brass doorknob actually has a chemical reaction that helps reduce germ build-up.

See Details ›
Why are door locks made of brass? ›

Brass doors and knobs offer durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. They develop a natural patina over time, adding character to spaces. Brass has antimicrobial properties, enhancing hygiene in high-touch areas.

Keep Reading ›
Is brass a good door knob? ›

Brass tends to be more expensive, but has some qualities that make it especially good for doorknobs: It resists corrosion and rust and is naturally antimicrobial. Brass can kill germs, and brass doorknobs are less prone to germiness.

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Why do factors make door handles from brass? ›

Brass is durable and resistant to corrosion, making it an attractive option from early on in the door-knob-making process, when knobs were first created by brazing two pieces of metal together and then through casting beginning around 1846.

Read On ›
What are the benefits of brass door handles? ›

There are a lot of benefits of your door knob or handle being made of brass. Brass is durable and corrosion resistant. The finish does age and patina, but the material itself stays strong and does not rust. Brass also has antibacterial properties and is very easy to clean.

Read The Full Story ›
Why is brass used on door handles and public handrails? ›

The copper in brass kills bacteria and viruses

Copper has antimicrobial properties, which means it can kill micro-organisms like bacteria and viruses.

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Why do factories make door handles from brass grade 5? ›

Brass is one of the best materials for door handles as they are resistant to bacteria and most corrosive materials. Even strong chemicals can be used to clean brass door handles to maintain hygiene.

Read The Full Story ›
Why use brass material? ›

Brass is still commonly used in applications where corrosion resistance and low friction are required, such as locks, hinges, gears, bearings, ammunition casings, zippers, plumbing, hose couplings, valves and electrical plugs and sockets. It is used extensively for musical instruments such as horns and bells.

Keep Reading ›
Can germs live on brass door knobs? ›

Studies have shown that surfaces made of uncoated copper, brass or bronze, begin neutralizing bacteria immediately, killing more than 99.9% within two hours*. An unlacquered solid brass doorknob actually has a chemical reaction that helps reduce germ build-up.

Learn More ›
Why is brass naturally antibacterial? ›

Evidence shows that direct contact with the surface as well as cupric and cuprous ions arising from brass surfaces are instrumental in the antimicrobial effectiveness. These copper ions can lead to oxidative stress, membrane alterations, protein malfunctions, and/or DNA damages.

View More ›
Why do hospitals use brass door knobs? ›

Several studies found that if touch surfaces are made with copper-based alloys, the reduced transmission of disease-causing bacteria can reduce patient infections in hospitals by as much as 58%.

Learn More ›
Why is copper self sanitizing? ›

Copper complexes form radicals that inactivate viruses.

Read More ›

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