Quick Cost Saving Tip For Stainless Steel Handles & Legs

I'm up to my elbows reorganizing my work space today. It's funny how much mess you can create just trying to get a better handle on all of your "stuff". The mail came, and in it some little treasures I've been waiting for. What a welcomed opportunity to take a break and share a "find" that I found last week...

I was putting together the mini refrigerator and oven front kits from Elf miniatures. Included in both kits were handles. Just square stainless steel rod cut to the appropriate length. I looked at it and thought it would be really handy to have some of it around to make my own cabinet handles, pulls and furniture legs.

I began looking at metal stock on MicroMark and other hobby suppliers. I was disappointed in the selection, and offended by the prices! Necessity and being thrifty are the mother of thinking outside the box for mini resources. So I began my effort to find the perfect metal for a much more reasonable price.

Enter eBay, and what they call Steel Key Stock. It is stainless, even more nicely finished than the Elf handle material, and it's only $3.71 for 5 (five) 1/8" x 1/8" x 12" pieces! One stick of this stuff can cost up to $7.00 through hobby retailers! Plus, they are zinc coated to help keep it from corroding over time. That means it stays shiny and modern looking!

I ordered it on 12/1 and got it in today's mail. not too bad at all! I have not had an opportunity to cut it yet - I am thinking my little hacksaw or coping saw will do the job, but I will definitely let you know.

Here's the link to the eBay seller I purchased through. He's got other sizes, too.

If any of you have info to add or better material or resources, please let me know! I'll update the post!