Brass is Best
This month we're taking a behind-the-scenes glimspe into the world of long-term preservation. To slow down rates of deterioration and avoid potential risks to our collections we use acid-free paper and folders, climate control, and pest management. But in the world of archives, even the smallest most innocuous seeming items found among the papers, photographs and old hard drives can have long-term consequences. On this smaller scale is the paperclip. Though they may seem insignificant, using the wrong type can lead to long-term damage, causing deterioration, staining, or corrosion. Historically, paperclips were made of iron, but today they’re more commonly zinc-coated or plastic. So why are brass paperclips the trusted choice in archives?
1. Environmentally stable
Brass doesn’t rust or corrode like iron. Iron oxidizes easily and is more reactive under environmental stress meaning it may corrode faster. Brass stays inert, offering reliable long-term safety. So why is rust a problem?
2. Non-Reactive with Paper
Iron can chemically interact with paper fibers, causing permanent damage (see image below). Brass avoids these reactions and is safe for direct contact with documents.
3. No Risk of Reddish-Brown Staining (a regular find in collections)
Rust from iron paperclips can cause permanent, unsightly stains, potentially obscuring the information a record contains.
4. Non-Magnetic
Brass is not magnetic, unlike iron. This is useful in environments where magnetic storage media are present. You would need an incredible amount of paperclips to actually frazzle the files but using brass does lower the risk of them creating a literal pile-up on your hard drive.
5. Holds Shape Over Time
Brass clips retain their springiness and shape with repeated use. Iron clips are more prone to bending or warping.
6. Corrded Clips can Fuse Together
In stacked files or tightly packed folders, corroded iron clips can stick together or bond with the paper, making them hard to remove without damaging the materials.
7. Gentle on Paper Surfaces
Brass is softer and less likely to press into fragile paper. Iron clips may cause indentations, especially on thin or sensitive materials.
8. Minimise Accidental Tearing or Snagging
Rusty, brittle, or misshapen clips (metal or plastic) can catch on paper and cause tearing when pages are turned or files are reopened. Brass clips have smoother edges and maintain their form, reducing this risk.
9. What about plastic clips?
Plastic paperclips may not rust but they can become brittle and/or break down over time. They are also inclined to leave indentataions on thicker papers.
10. What about Coated Clips?
Similarly, modern steel clips with anti-rust coatings (like zinc) may seem safe, but the coating can wear off, crack, or degrade, exposing the reactive metal underneath. In archival settings, this makes them unreliable.
The Archival Standard
When it comes to preserving history, not all paperclips are up to the challenge. Potentially rusty, snaggy, brittle time-bombs and corrosive cocktails, brass, on the other hand, quietly does its job for decades. That’s why brass is the archival standard, and the only clip you’ll want holding your history together at home and in the archive!
0 Comments.