When it comes to purchasing hardware products, many projects are nearing completion. The building materials market and various small and large hardware stores across Beijing’s four cities and eight districts have already been thoroughly checked. However, buying hardware is quite different from purchasing other building materials or furniture—both in terms of the market and the shopping experience. What sets hardware apart from other construction materials? How should consumers choose them wisely? A reporter visited major building materials markets and interviewed experts. Experts advise: when buying hardware, don’t just go by price—professional knowledge is essential.
Faucets: Pay Attention to Sealing Quality
According to Wang Gong from the Hardware Product Quality Testing Center, many manufacturers are cutting costs by using substandard materials such as cast iron, rusted zinc alloy, or non-corrosive alloys for faucet production. This leads to quality issues. These faucets may look fine on the outside, but internal problems like thin walls or poor material quality can affect their strength and sealing performance. Consumers should be aware of this issue.
Wang Gong also explained that the surface finish of faucets is usually good, but the key is to check the internal components. When turning the handle, a good faucet should have no gaps, move smoothly, and not feel slippery. Inferior ones often have larger gaps and more resistance. Additionally, the main parts, especially the valve body and handle, should be tightly assembled. High-quality faucets are typically made of brass, which feels heavier and more durable. Look for clear identification marks—genuine products usually have brand logos, while counterfeit ones might only have simple labels or none at all.
The most important part of a faucet is its valve core. There are three types: rubber cores, ball cores, and stainless steel cores. Stainless steel cores are the best option, offering better sealing, stability, and longevity. The faucet body should be made of bronze and cast in one piece. Tapping it should produce a dull sound, while a brittle sound indicates lower quality. The surface finish—such as galvanization, titanium coating, or painting—should be thick and bright. Imported faucets tend to have a thicker plating layer that resists fading and oxidation. Always check for a protective film on the plating; without it, the coating may wear off quickly.
To ensure quality, consumers can refer to national standards for faucets and hoses. These standards provide clear guidelines for quality testing. You can take your product to a quality inspection department to test the twisting force, sealing, and material strength—this can serve as solid evidence if you need to file a complaint.
Hardware: Price vs. Quality
Small hardware includes items like door locks, hinges, and zippers. Though they make up a small portion of the overall renovation cost, their quality directly affects the durability and design of your home. Many consumers overlook their importance, focusing only on price. However, hardware plays a crucial role in daily use, and poor quality can lead to frequent replacements or maintenance.
The biggest challenge in buying small hardware is identifying the real quality. Most manufacturers now imitate each other in style and technology, making it hard to tell the difference. For example, a triangular basket may cost anywhere from 10 to 30 yuan, while a door lock could range from 30 to 300 yuan. The price difference often reflects the material used—copper, stainless steel, zinc alloy, or plastic. Copper is the most expensive, followed by stainless steel, then zinc alloy, and finally plastic.
The finish also gives clues about quality. Chrome-plated surfaces are brighter and more resistant to rust than electroplated ones. When in doubt, weigh the product—higher weight usually means better material.
Aluminum Gypsum Boards: Beware of Installation Scams
Buying aluminum gypsum boards involves installation costs, which some dealers try to exploit. Some offer extremely low installation prices to attract customers, but this often hides hidden risks. For instance, an installation cost of 15 yuan per square meter sounds cheap, but it may include only labor, with no materials or extra charges. In reality, the total cost—including keels, nails, and transportation—can easily exceed 30 yuan.
Another common misunderstanding is that thicker plates are always better. Some companies use scrap aluminum, which cannot be made very thin, so thickness alone isn’t a reliable indicator. Instead, check the surface finish and whether the board has even thickness and good flexibility.
Where to Buy Hardware for Best Value
When choosing where to buy hardware, consider both price and reliability. Large home improvement supermarkets offer a wide range of products, including faucets, hardware, and aluminum boards, with complete brands and good after-sales service. Returns are often possible if the product is unsuitable. However, these places can be more expensive.
On the other hand, smaller building materials markets may offer lower prices after bargaining, but the selection is less consistent, and post-purchase support is limited.
For those looking for style and convenience, large supermarkets are ideal. For budget-conscious buyers, medium-to-low-end markets can provide good options if you take time to compare and choose carefully. With a bit of research, you can save money while still getting high-quality hardware.
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