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What kind of metal is the door key made of?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Johnny Cakes, Jul 6, 2019.

  1. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    I leave the Prius door key outside, attached to the car in a secret location. Hidden inside the car is the FOB in a Faraday wallet. Makes lockouts / forgot key situations impossible.

    After a year outside, the key looks amazingly good, almost as new. I'd still like to clean it up a bit, just to be on the safe side.

    Any idea what kind of metal the key is made out of or a product that would be good for clean-up?

    Thanks!

    I appreciate that many may think its stupid/dangerous/inviting theft to leave a key outside. This thread is not about that!
     
    #1 Johnny Cakes, Jul 6, 2019
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Stainless steel?
     
    #2 Mendel Leisk, Jul 6, 2019
  3. Rmay635703

    Rmay635703 Senior Member

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    Chinesium?
     
    #3 Rmay635703, Jul 6, 2019
    spiralhelix likes this.
  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    Most are nickle coated brass.
    000 steel wool should work nicely.
     
    #4 sam spade 2, Jul 6, 2019
  5. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Unobtainium

    (or brass - an alloy with a good amount of copper, which is corrosion resistant.)

    The key cutter's wheel would be mortally wounded by the 4th or 5th copy. Brass? Much softer.
    .
     
    #5 hill, Jul 6, 2019
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