Non-corroding 'chrome' bathroom stuff?

[Lobster]

I need to replace the chrome basket thing that hangs off the bottom of the shower rail, which contains all the assorted crap that SWMBO apparently requires to have within easy reach when showering.* The current one is badly rusted after a few year's use. What do I need to look for in a replacement to ensure that doesn't go the same way? I'm sure price will be a factor, but I can't believe it's a case of just buying a really really expensive one in the hope it will be fine.

Had a similar experience with an unbranded shower rail from Screwfix which quickly rusted away; I replaced it with an ebayed Mira one because I knew they were reliable, and sure enough it has been.

Thanks David

*Tried moving everything except the shower gel to the bathroom window-sill the other day, but got shouted at.

[Roger Mills]

Can you get a stainless steel one, rather than chrome? May not be as shiny - but it shouldn't rust!

Failing that, you probably need chrome on brass rather than chrome on steel.

[dent]

Switch to something made from stainless steel. More expensive though.

dan.

[RCW2]

One would recommend

[David in Normandy]

Spouse bought a chrome shower tidy in anticipation of me doing a new bathroom. It was over a year before the bathroom was finished and the shower tidy was out of warranty before it was even used. It went rusty in a month, starting at the joints. It cost over £20 and ended up in the dustbin after two months of use. We've now got a white plastic one which doesn't look bad and at least it doesn't rust!

[Huge]

Expense. In other words, ones with a layer of chromium rather thicker than one atom.

[The Natural Philosopher]

[The Natural Philosopher]

and more copper underneath.

IIRC you first copper plate steel, then chrome. You probably want to first zinc plate, then copper, then chrome.

[Onetap]

The chrome is porous. It should be 3 layer plating ISTR, nickel, copper, chrome (Google that, I'm not entirely certain and can't be arsed). Anything else will get rust bubbles and is not fit for use in a damp atmosphere.

SWMBO bought some chrome bathroom stuff a few years back and it is now pretty filthy with rust. If I'd had the sense to keep the receipt, I'd have taken it back and shoved it up the retailer's nostrils. It infuriates me that everyone is getting righteous about energy and resources, but it is still legal to sell crap that isn't fit for purpose. Some of this garbage will have been screwed to tiled walls.

[Jules Richardson]

Something like that. Our bath fittings are around 80 years old and the chrome's holding up well, with only the end of the spout showing damage.

The colouring seems consitent with it being copper plate over steel, then a layer of a yellowish metal - most likely nickel - then chrome.

cheers

Jules

[PeterC]

My 2 towel rails and a glass shelf in stainless steel (well, some of the shelf) came from Aldi at about £13 each. There were some other items but ICR if there was anything that you want.

The riser rail for the shower is now 32 years old: Redring, st.st. and the curtain rail was from the same set and is very elliptical aluminium tube; both are still uncorroded.

Stainless is by far the best, followed by chromed brass. I hate chromed steel - I used to work in a lab testing plated parts and developed the dislike then.

[Brian Gaff]

Well plastic does not rust and although it falls to bits its a lot cheaper and not as heavy.

Brian

[PeterC]

Almost - copper, nickel, chrome. Can't remember the thicknesses after 45 years and CBA to dig out Cannings electroplating book wot is 'idden in some indoor shed.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I am sure we all remember chrome flaking off 50's and 60's car bumpers..yuk!

[Fred]

Thanks, I never knew that. I only knew that friends and family complained about it, then bought more, and complained about it again!

I wouldn't have guessed it was real gold; even a few atoms thick I would have thought would be too expensive. I've learnt something new today, thanks.