Aaron Fude wrote on 18 Oct 2007 in group alt.home.repair:
Try here:
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I watched hardware being made on "How It's Made" a few weeks ago. They're mostly zinc, with some complicated finishes to get the patina. There's a lot of hand work involved.
The price is obviously (as always) based on what the market will bear.
BTW: I'm old enough now (50) that _everything_ seems overpriced. I mentioned this to my much older friend, and he replied that everything _is_ overpriced.
It's big, fat, made of solid bronze or brass, and is a boutique item. There's no point in asking why.
That's a big item you linked to. They're also called appliance pulls when they get that big. They're also more of a commercial item when they have such a large diameter. If you're locked in to that exact style, you have a bit of searching to do, or you'll have to pony up the money, and that's what they're counting on. Here's something a bit different, different size and cheaper.
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When I'm doing such searches I usually type in what I want, do the Google, then select the Images tab and search visually. That will locate a vendor who will have alternatives and similar items.
R
Its mostly aimed at the McMansion, fluffed up truck as a fashion statement "car" bragging rights crowd. You know the I have a 186" TV or "these are custom door pulls made just for me and they cost $7,000" etc
Not sure of your location, but around Portland (OR) there are several recycling and rebuilding centers. Door hardware there is cheap if you can find what you're looking for.
Anyone that pays that price is an idiot. You can get cheaper ones at H.D. or any hardware store. Or just bend a piece of scrap tin and make your own for free.
Yeah, I'd like to see the blood stains and rust on your door handles! And the idea that making your own is free only if you place no value at all on your time. The thing the OP linked to is either solid brass or bronze, depending on the finish. ORB is oil rubbed bronze.
I dont make my own in the house. Mine came with the house, but I have bought them for other projects at about $2 each and they look nice and are durable. On the other hand, I have made them for barn doors, out of 1/8 inch thick by 1" steel. It takes me about about 10 minutes with a torch, hammer and vice to bend them. The ones I make cost 25 cents for the metal and another 10 cents for the spray paint and torch gas. I save buying the ones that cost $8 each, and mine are much stronger. No, they are not sharp.
The thing the OP linked to damn well better be made of brass at that rediculous price. Or, actually it should be made of solid gold.....
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