Materials Guide

Brass & Aluminium Key Tags

At Key Tag Shop, we offer key tags and discs made from high-quality materials selected for their durability, appearance, and suitability for a variety of environments. Below you'll find an overview of the key materials we use: solid brass, nickel-plated brass, and anodised aluminium.

Solid Brass Key Tags & Blanks

Overview:
Solid brass is a traditional and trusted material for key tags, known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and timeless aesthetic. Our solid brass tags are ideal for settings where a professional or classic look is important, such as hotels, offices, lockers, or equipment marking.

• Material: Self-coloured, non-coated brass
• Thickness: 1mm, with various diameter options
• Customisation: Suitable for engraving or stamping
• Corrosion Resistance: Naturally resistant to wear
• Appearance: Develops a natural patina over time

Best For:
Numbered hotel or locker tags, valve and plant labelling, key management systems in demanding environments.

Note: Brass is not magnetic, making it useful in environments where metal detection is required.

Nickel-Plated Brass Key Tags & Blanks

Overview:
Nickel-plated brass tags offer the strength of brass with a silver-tone finish that is both attractive and more resistant to tarnishing. The nickel plating provides added surface protection while retaining the robustness of solid brass beneath.

• Material: Solid brass base with nickel finish
• Appearance: Bright silver tone
• Durability: More resistant to handling marks than plain brass
• Customisation: Suitable for engraving

Best For:
Customers seeking a silver-look alternative to traditional brass, stylish locker tags, or premium hotel key fobs.

Note: Nickel plating may dull slightly over time with frequent handling, but this can be refreshed with gentle cleaning.

Anodised Aluminium Key Tags & Blanks

Overview:
Anodised aluminium is a lightweight yet tough material, making it ideal for high-volume or colour-coded key tagging systems. The anodising process not only adds colour but also improves scratch resistance and oxidation protection.

• Material: Anodised aluminium
• Weight: Lightweight and easy to handle
• Finish: Available in a wide range of colours
• Corrosion Resistance: Enhanced by the anodised layer
• Customisation: Suitable for engraving with silver contrast

Best For:
Colour-coded key tagging systems (e.g. schools, facilities, warehouses), large batch orders, or customers seeking lightweight and vibrant tagging solutions.

Note: While not as heavy-duty as brass, anodised aluminium offers an excellent balance between cost, weight, and performance.

Which Material Is Right for You?