Is this stainless steel?

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It is magnetic. Took off spots of crud with sandpaper and wire wheel, not sure it was rust or dirt. Would prefer the bright appearance if it won't rust, otherwise I'll spray it black.
 
There is magnetic stainless.

Quote
Ferritic Stainless Steels such as grades 409, 430 and 439.
Martensitic Stainless Steel such as grades 410, 420, 440.
Duplex Stainless Steel such as grade 2205.
 
Yes, and still lots of folks think stainless fasteners are strong, many are just middle of the pack.

Well … the mud room fridge really took on some decor when the new SST fridge went in the kitchen
However … a double SST oven just two feet away ? Nothing sticks to that but dust, ...œ
So even the same appliance company used different grades
 
Originally Posted by Trav
There is magnetic stainless.

Quote
Ferritic Stainless Steels such as grades 409, 430 and 439.
Martensitic Stainless Steel such as grades 410, 420, 440.
Duplex Stainless Steel such as grade 2205.

To add to this, higher end exhaust systems like Borla use T-304 stainless. T-304 is not magnetic. I think most modern OEM exhausts use T-409, which is magnetic (and will get a light surface corrosion over time, turns reddish).

The exhaust tip you show is likely inexpensive chrome plated mild steel. I say that because of the cheap folded seam.

Scott
 
Depends on the alloy/grade of stainless, specifically the chromium and nickel content.

I cook on an induction cooktop a lot, so I've noticed this first hand. Some stainless pots work, others don't.
 
Something which took longer than the warranty period to "stain"?

Seriously, my welding instructor suggested using a magnet to test stainless steel.

The better it is the less magnetic it is.
 
Originally Posted by eljefino
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You sure love this Escort!
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I'd leave it shiny.


HAHA you should see it now after 2 days of iron decon, claying, polishing and sealing.
 
Originally Posted by Kira
... my welding instructor suggested using a magnet to test stainless steel.

The better it is the less magnetic it is.

It all depends on the use. My metallurgy instructor suggested we test stainless steel cutlery with a magnet. Better knives are magnetic.
 
In an inconspicuous area, apply a drop of muriatic acid or concrete cleaner to the surface. Wait half an hour. If there's dark discoloration it's stainless.
 
Originally Posted by atikovi
So what would have Ford used 20 years ago?


My opinion is the cheapest thing that would look good. Definitely NOT 300 series stainless; too expensive, besides, you said it's magnetic, so it's NOT 304. Regardless if it is 400 series stainless (which I doubt), you just embedded rust into it if you used a carbon steel wire brush on it. You use a stainless wire brush on stainless.
If not knowing what type of steel it is keeps you awake at night, but you're not willing to pay a testing laboratory to use a PMI gun on it, you can identify a lot of basic materials with spark testing using a grinding wheel, these videos aren't very long and may help satisfy your curiosity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnSBSKTC834 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oId-fXqk5mU You can probably obtain different types of material at a local nonferrous scrap yard. Hit them with a grinder and you can QUICKLY tell the difference in sparks from stainless vs mild steel. IF you find that it IS stainless, which would also mean it's aftermarket, and you want it to look nice, go someplace that sells welding supplies and buy a NEW stainless wire brush, or sanding materials made for stainless, and don't use your new tools on anything before touching your exhaust; once you hit carbon steel with them, don't ever go back to using them on stainless. They're contaminated.
Hope this helps you.
 
Originally Posted by Trav
There is magnetic stainless.

Quote
Ferritic Stainless Steels such as grades 409, 430 and 439.
Martensitic Stainless Steel such as grades 410, 420, 440.
Duplex Stainless Steel such as grade 2205.


+1

Stainless steel is magnetic, however, when nickel (Ni) is added to stainless steel the result is a non-magnetic form of stainless steel (called austenitic stainless steel).
 
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