Category: Products

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Metal House Number Review from a California Customer

Metal House Number Review California - Brown County Forge

A Recent Metal House Number Review

When I hear back from customers with their feedback, like the metal house number review below, it means a lot.

I really enjoy designing metalwork for customers and making sure they get exactly what they need.

To give you some background, this house number plate was ordered through the Brown County Forge Etsy shop by a gentleman from Northern California (Sacramento area).

From the beginning we had good communication. I was able to correct a situation that could have been challenging for him.

The number plaques I offer are made out of 1/8-inch thick stainless steel. This helps them hold up against all weather conditions.

They won’t rust or corrode whether they’re near saltwater or in the desert.

The situation we ran into was related to mounting holes:

  • I prefer to leave the house number plates without holes to have a smooth finish, but I’m happy to drill out mounting holes.
  • He was looking for a plate with mounting holes.

Here’s the Review:

Metal House Numbers Review California - Brown County Forge

“We had been looking for metal house numbers for a bit. Brown County Forge’s stainless steel sign was perfect for us. I erred in not asking for the pre-drilled holes in the corners (make sure you specify if you want that). Terran (the owner) could not have been cooler about speedy communication, receiving the item back, drilling the holes for me and sending it back at no extra charge. Overall, I could not be happier with the purchase.”

What Happened

I had already shipped the number plate and sent him a note with mounting instructions.

After reading instructions that didn’t include screws or mounting holes, he contacted me to clarify things.

I then realized the miscommunication and offered two options:

  1. I laid out how he could drill the holes himself.
  2. He could send the house number plate back to me as soon as he got it, I would drill it out, and send it back at no additional delivery charge (I refunded his return shipping).

Ideally, these situations wouldn’t happen, but it’s all part of doing business.

You won’t always get it exactly right on the first try.

I’m grateful that the California gentleman was gracious and allowed me to create the perfect number plaque for him.

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Decorative Brass Wall Hooks for California

Decorative Brass Wall Hooks - Brown County Forge 2

One of the orders this week was for a set of decorative brass wall hooks for a customer in California.

Most of the time I work in steel to make coat hooks and oar hooks, so taking a break with brass is a lot of fun.

The processes for working with each type of metal are very similar:

  • Softening sharp corners and edges.
  • Making decorative hook ends.
  • Bending the belly of the hook to a set size.

There’s one exception to working with brass vs. steel, though.

Steel you work hot to make it soft enough to bend.

Brass you work cold because it is already very flexible.

How Big Are the Decorative Brass Wall Hooks?

Each decorative brass wall hook is 3-1/2 inches tall, 1/2-inch wide, with a 1/2-inch wide hook bend.

They’re fairly small and make good hooks for hanging handbags, keys, and small items.

They come with matching brass screws so they’re ready mount right out of the package.

What sort of finish do the decorative brass hooks have?

Decorative Brass Wall Hooks - Brown County Forge

I give each hook a hammered finish using the back of a small, 8-ounce ball peen hammer.

I also soften the edges of the hook with the ball peen.

Each hook ends up being slightly unique, but they make a nice, bright matching set.

What Kind of Care Do The Hooks Need?

Like most brass hardware and fixtures, you may need to polish them from time to time.

Brass will tarnish if left alone and not used.

Your best way to combat that tarnishing is to hang your things on them and to use them.

The light friction and rubbing that happens when you do that will help keep them shiny and bright.

If you find you need to polish them, here are the steps to use:

  1. Unscrew them from the wall.
  2. Lightly rub them with a brass polish like Brasso or similar natural polish.
  3. Wipe clean to reveal the renewed bright finish.
  4. Remount them on the wall!

More Information On Our Brass Hooks

You can read more about the brass hooks I make in the Brown County Forge Etsy shop here:

browncountyforge.etsy.com

You’ll find all the brass hooks under the Shop Section “Brass.”

Have questions about other hooks?

Feel free to send me an email:

browncountyforge@gmail.com