With the highest lead content of all the brass alloys, 360 offers the best machinability. Often called free-machining and free-cutting brass, it stands up to high-speed drilling, milling, and tapping operations with minimal wear on your tools. It’s commonly used for gears, pinions, and lock components.

Often called architectural bronze, 385 brass is easy to machine and has excellent formability when heated. It is typically used for handrails, ornamental trim, and hardware, such as hinges and lock bodies.

The most formable brass we offer, 260 offers better weldability than 300 series brass but it’s not as machinable. Sometimes called cartridge brass, it's commonly used for ammunition casings, radiator components, and decorative door hardware.