Things That Are Metal

Welcome to our list of things that are metal!

Metal is a very useful substance – it is long-lasting, hard-wearing, waterproof, strong, sharp, malleable, a good conductor of electricity and can be magnetic too. This means that there are all sorts of metallic objects with many different uses. This list hopes to cover as many as possible and will include things that are entirely metal, mostly made of metal or have large or important metal components.

Here’s a visual list of things that are metal:

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Hopefully that visual list of metal things was useful! Here’s a longer and more descriptive list of things that are metal:

• Chain: A link of small connected metal loops.
• Fence: A metal barrier that is commonly made of links of chains.
• Knife: A blade with a handle attached which can be used as a tool or weapon.
• Fork: A small eating utensil with multiple prongs for spearing and scooping up food.
• Spoon: An eating utensil with a scoop on one end. Commonly used for liquids or small particles, like rice or soup.
• Blade: A thin, sharp metal piece used for cutting.
• Razor: A blade which has been specifically made for shaving hair.
• Pot: A metal container that can come in varying sizes used for cooking (usually things that take a longer time and require simmering, like curries or soups).
• Trumpet: A type of brass instrument commonly used in jazz music.  
• Trombone: A brass instrument common in jazz music. Known for its long slider mechanism.
• Saxophone: A brass instrument common in jass. Made famous by musicians in the jazz age, and most likely also by Lisa Simpson.
• Tuba: A brass instrument with a deeper sound than trumpet and trombone.
• Flute: A long, thin, tubular instrument known for its soft, mellow sound.
• French Horn: A brass instrument which consists of long metal tubing curved ina a circular shape.
• Pipe Organ: A large keyboard instrument with many long metal pipes used to amplify sound.
• Piccolo: A small flute with a high-pitched sound.
• Tin Whistle: A small, thin whistle made of metal. Used for simple tunes.
• Whistle: A small instrument that is used to blow just one tone. Used as a warning or signal rather than for music.
• Kettle: A metal container used to boil water.
• Frying Pan: A flat pan used for sauteeing and frying.
• Key: A small toothed tool used to break open locks.
• Lock: A security device that needs a key to open.
• Baritone Horn: A brass instrument with a deep resonating sound.
• Bugle: A brass instrument which looks very similar to a trumpet, but has no valves or buttons.
• Cornet: Very similar to a trumpet in sound and appearance, but is smaller, more conical, and has a more mellow tone.
• Barbed Wire: Sharp, jagged wire which is used as a security device around buildings and private areas.
• Thermos: A bottle which is insulated and designed to keep cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot.
• Flask: Can mean two things – can either be a synonymous word for thermos, or a small metal container for alcohol.  
• Pin: A small, thin spike, usually with a ball or flat top on the non-pointed end. Used for holding things together, like fabric or pieces of paper.
• Nail Clipper: A small grooming tool that is used to clip nails when they get too long.
• Nail File: A small grooming tool, also known as an emery board. A small, flat piece of metal with a rough, textured surface which is used to buff fingernails into a smooth texture and desired shape.
• Signpost: The metal pole used to hold signage up.
• Traffic Signs: Signs that are used to indicate how drivers should be moving about the road.
• Traffic Light: A series of lights used to indicate whether drivers should stop at an intersection or not.
• Speed Camera: A small, secure camera used at intersections and along the road to catch drivers who are driving over the speed limit.
• Wire/Bolt Cutters: A hand-held tool used to cut through thick wires.
• Needle (medical): Needles of varying sizes used to draw blood or deliver medicine.
• Needle (sewing): Small needles in varying sizes used to stitch fabric together.
• Paperclip: A thin, curved piece of metal used to hold a few pieces of paper together.
• Fountain Pen: A type of luxury writing pen.
• Bulldog Clip: A clip which is larger and stronger than a paperclip and is used to hold larger wads of paper together.
• Tweezers: A small grooming tool used to pluck hairs or pull out tweezers.
• Keyring: A small metal ring used to hold groups of keys together.
• Steel Ruler: A ruler made of steel. Commonly used in applications where people need to cut straight lines.  
• Earrings: Jewelry worn in holes pierced in the ears.
• Eyelash Curler: A grooming/makeup tool which is used to curl eyelashes.
• Ring: A piece of jewelry worn around the finger. Commonly used to signify relationship status or personal beliefs.
• Dumbbell: A weighted strength and conditioning tool used for working out and building muscle.
• Kettlebell: A piece of gym equipment. A round metal ball with a handle that comes in varying weights. Commonly used for squats, deadlifts and raises.
• Barbell: A weighted bar which is used to stack weight plates on.
• Weight Plate: A weighted metal plate used to build muscle when working out.
• Exercise Machine: Exercise machines at the gym tend to be composed of many metal parts, including the weights inside them and the pins that separate the weights.
• Drinking Fountain: A public fountain used for drinking water. Most commonly in public spaces and buildings like schools, libraries, gyms and parks.
• Necklace: A piece of jewelry worn around the neck.
•  Chisel: A woodworking tool which is used to gouge out small chips of wood.  
• Cheese Grater: A cooking tool which is used to finely shave off small pieces of cheese en masse.
• Corkscrew: A small kitchen device used to pull corks out of wine bottles without leaving pieces of cork in the alcohol.
• Whisk: A kitchen utensil which is used to whip mixtures together, or beat air into mixtures.
• Hammer: A construction tool which is used to beat nails into wood.
• Screwdriver: A construction tool used to secure screws into other objects to hold them together.
• Screws: Small pieces of conical metal with a twisty corkscrew shape. Used to hold things together.
• Wok: A large, domed pan with a handle on either side. Used in Asian cooking and fast stir-frying at a high heat.
• Cans: Small containers used to store food long-term.
• Foil: Thin sheets of metal used to cover food when roasting or baking. Can be used to keep food warm when transporting as well.
• Coin: A small round token which is used as money.
• Nail: A small spike of metal which is commonly driven into pieces of wood to hold pieces together.
• Microwave: A kitchen device used to heat up food quickly.  
• Fridge: A white good used to keep food cold and fresh for longer.
• Freezer: A white good used to freeze food and keep it fresh for longer than a fridge does.
• Dishwasher: A machine used to automatically wash dishes.
• Washing Machine: A machine used to wash clothing.
• Toaster: A kitchen device used to heat bread until it’s crisy and slightly browned.
• Pipe: Tubing which is used in plumbing.
• Bracelet: Jewelry worn around the wrist.
• Anklet: Jewelry worn around the ankle.    
• Sandwich Toaster: A kitchen device used to toast sandwiches.
• Clothes Iron: A household device used to press the wrinkles out of clothing.
• Bowl: Open containers used for storing or carrying food.
• Cup: Small containers used for storing or carrying water.
• Zip: A clothing fastener which is faster and easier to operate than buttons, but is seen as more casual.
• Scissors: A household item used to cut thin objects (like paper or fabric) apart.  
• Tongs: A kitchen utensil used for picking up hot or shard foods.
• Silo: A large structure for bulk storage.
• Tank: An armored military vehicle.
• Tankard: A large metal cup used for alcohol.
• Stairs: A structure that lets people travel between floors or levels.
• Railing: A safety guard that is used to keep people from falling over the side of something.
• Roofing: Sheet roofing can be made of metal.
• Hinge: The fastening between two moveable objects.
• Spring: Springs are tightly coiled metal loops that hold a lot of tension in them.
• Sink: A large bowl for draining water. Used in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Staples: Small metal pins that are pushed through small wads of paper to hold them together.
• Stapler: The device that pushes staples through paper.
• Medal: An award that is given for winning or for a high achievement.
• Medallion:  A large medal, or one given during an important commemoration.
• Saw: A large, angular serrated blade commonly used for cutting through wood.
• Chainsaw: A motorised version of a saw.      
• Gong: A disc-shaped instrument that produces a ringing, resonating tone.
• Tuning Fork: A fork that is used to tune other musical instruments.  
• Tuning Bowl: A round bowl that is used to produce a single ringing tone.
• Bell: A rounded metal cone that produces a ringing sound. Used as a musical instrument or as a warning or signifier.
• Chimes: A musical instrument made of an array of small bells.
• Xylophone: A musical instrument that consists of small metal plates that produce different notes when struck with a mallet. 
• Gate: A large type of door which is used to protect an area (like a garden).
• Crowbar: A strong tool used to pry containers open.
• Hacksaw: A type of small saw with a thinner blade than the usual saw.
• Euphonium: A brass instrument with coiled metal tubing.
• Wrench: A hand-held tool used to provide a strong grip and pull on smaller objects (like nuts, bolts and screws).
• Pliers: A tool used to provide extra grip.  
• Utility Knife: A small knife with a blade that can be snapped off in segments whenever the cutting edge becomes dull.
• Hooks: An open loop used for many applications – hanging things, catching things.
• Anchor: A heavy piece of metal used to pin ships in place so they don’t float away.  
• Laptop: Laptops have various metal components in them, like the hard drive.
• Barbecue: A cooking surface that consists of heated metal bars.
• Cufflinks: Small accessories used to keep long sleeves up.
• Money Clip: A type of small wallet that is a simple clip used to hold money together in a wad.      
• Safety Pins: Small pins used to keep fabric together. 
• Electronic Cabling/Wires: Wires commonly have copper inside.
• Boat: Boats are commonly made of metal (the hull) and have metal components (rudder, wheel, anchor, etc).
• Ship: Ship bodies are commonly made of metal as it is strong and light.
• Cymbals: A round disc that produces a ringing sound when struck.
• Truck: Trucks have many metal components, including the tray at the back for carrying large items.
• Statue of Liberty: The Statue of Liberty is made of copper.
• Steel Wool: This is a ball of rough metal threads, used for scraping rust or food particles from surfaces.
• Skillet: A thick cooking pan.
• Radiator: A sort of heater with a metal exterior. 
• Train: A mode of public transportation that travels further than buses and can carry more people.
• Wheel Spokes: Thin metal rods within a wheel that keep the rim of the wheel stable.
• Bicycle Frame: Bike frames are made of metal alloys – usually chromoly or stainless steel.
• Plane: Planes are made primarily from metal.
• Eyelet: Eyelets are the small holes through which shoelaces or jacket strings pass through.         
• Hairclips: Small metal pins or clips that hold bits of hair back from the face.
• Boiler: Large metal vats used for storing and boiling water (for example, for showers).
• Gutter: The little hollows on the edge of a roof that catch rain.
• Badge: Decorative or identifying symbols that are pinned to clothing or other accessories (like hats or backpacks).
• Buckle: The metal part of a belt or shoe that holds it in place.
• Scaffolding: A temporary structure used to help with construction or building maintenance.
• Girder: A support beam commonly used in construction work.
• Pylon: A type of tower that is used as a support for bridges.
• Bridge: A suspension connecting two places.
• Teapot: A container with a lid, handle and spout used to store and pour hot tea.
• Microphone: A device used to amplify noises.
• Spectacle Frames: The frames of glasses (the part that surrounds the lenses, including the legs).
• Fire Grate: A ventilated metal covering over a fireplace.  
• Watch: Watch bands can be made of metal, as can their internal workings.
• Clock Pendulum: The comparatively heavy swinging weight that hands from a clock.  
• Bucket: Round containers with handles, generally for holding liquids.
• Wheelbarrow: A generally large wheeled container used for transporting heavy goods.
• Shovel: A gardening tool used to dig holes and break apart soil.
• Taps/Faucets: The devices that control water flow.
• Golf Club: Gold clubs come in many shapes and sizes and are gneerally made of a mixture of metal alloys and carbon fibre for strength and flexibility. 
• Scales: A tool used to measure weight.
• Gas Cylinder: A sound, sealed canister that stores and releases gas.
• Gas Lighter: A small tool filled with lighter fluid that can ignite. Used to light up other things, like candles or gas stoves.
• Gas Burner: A burner that runs on gas. Generally also has metal rings around it (to balance pots and pans on).
• Hair Dryer: A grooming tool that is used to quickly dry wet hair using air and usually heat. 
• Hand Dryer: A sanitation tool that uses hot air to dry hands after washing.
• Clothes Dryer: A household machine that is used to dry clothing quickly after washing.
• Axe: A tool used to cut wood.
• Machete: A broad blade that can be used like an axe, or in combat like a sword.
• Pick: A T-shaped hand tool used for prying things open or breaking things apart.
• Measuring Tape: A handheld measuring device with a long retractable ruler.
• Pressure Cooker: A type of kitchen device which slowly cooks whatever is placed inside it. 
• Desk Lamp: A small, portable lamp which is usually used to illuminate a desk while working.
• Water Bottle: Metal water bottles are used for keeping things warm or cool, and for their added strength and easy cleanability.
• Blister Pack: Blister packs are the small foil packages that pills come in.
• Gold Flake: A very thin, light layer of real gold that is used as decoration on artwork or furniture.
• Torch: Portable light sources. There are a few types of torchlights that are very large, heavy and made of metal.    
• Gun: A hand-held weapon.
• Audio Speakers: Audio devices that amplify and project sound.
• Mailbox: Where our snail mail is received. Usually made of weatherproof materials like brick and metal.
• Bullet: The small metal pellets used in guns.
• Window Frame: The reinforcing structure that bolsters windows.
• Toothpaste Tube: Toothpaste tubes have foil interiors to keep the toothpaste fresh and hygenic.  
• Sconce: A type of light fixture that is attached to the wall and directs light in an upwards fashion. 
• Weeder: A type of gardening tool made of wood and metal that pries weeds out of the ground.
• Garden Scissors: Large, sturdy scissors used to cut twigs, small branches and leaves.
• Soil Knife/Hori-Hori: A Japanese gardening tool used to break apart and mix soil.
• Hand Trowel: A small hand tool used for digging and smoothing.
• Pruning Shears: A type of gardening tool with shorter bladers than garden scissors (but used for similar applications).
• Rake: A gardening tool used to break apart and mix soil, and to gather fallen leaves.
• Garden Hoe: A gardening tool used to shape soil, pry weeds out and harvest crops.
• Pruning Saw: Similar to pruning shears, but with a serrated saw blade rather than scissor blades.
• Sword: A long blade with a handle used in combat.   
• Spade: A gardening tool used for digging. Less curved than a shovel.
• Airplane Black Box: The metal box that houses and protects the audio recordings in an aeroplane.
• Lathe: A machine that rotates materials to make for easier carving, shaping, drilling, sanding or cutting.
• Typewriter: A now largely obsolete machine that would print letters onto paper.
• Dagger: A handheld weapon with a short, sharp blade.
• Microscope: A scientific tool used to magnify small views or objects.
• Bunsen Burner: A scientific piece of equipment that gives the user control of a small flame.
• Retort: A scientific device used for distillation. Is a spherical vessel with a long, dropping neck. Can be made of glass or metal.
• Handlebars: A mechanism used for steering. Most commonly on bikes and motorcycles.
• Motorcycle: A two-wheeled vehicle.
• Vibraphone: A musical instrument similar to a xylophone. Part of the percussion family and has tuned metal bars that are struck with soft mallets.
• Mixing Bowls: Large bowls used for mixing ingredients (usually used in baking).
• Baking Tray: Flat metal trays that are used to cook baked goods in the oven.
• Kitchen Shears: Shears that are used to cut ingredients in preparation for cooking.
• Colander: A type of sieve used to drain water from cooked or washed food.
• Sieve: A mesh strainer used to sift through particles.
• Can Opener: A kitchen device used to open sealed cans.
• Measuring Cups: Kitchen tools used to measure out amounts of ingredients for baking or cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: The same as measuring cups, but in spoon form.
• Guitar Strings: Guitar strings can come in two materials – nylon or steel. Steel is longer-wearing and produces a different sound.
• Violin Strings: Violins have four steel strings which produce sound when a bow is drawn across them.
• Cello Strings: Very similar to violin strings. 
• Steel Guitars: A type of guitar that is made entirely of steel or has a steel face and is played using a steel slide.
• Glockenspiel: A type of percussion instrument similar to a xylophone. Has tuned metal bars that produce sound when struck.
• Handpan/Steel Drum: Also known as steel pans or simply pans. A musical instrument that produces a mellow sound when struck.
• Mbira: An African instrument that consists of metal tines attached to a hollow (usually wooden) body.
• Harp String: Harp strings are generally made of nylon or metal.
• Potato Masher: A kitchen utensil used to crush and mash potatoes (and other similar foods, like pumpkin or sweet potato or yam).
• Grill Pan: A flat metal tray used for grilling foods in the oven.
• Guzheng String: A string on the Chinese harp/zither.
• Triangle (Musical Instrument): A handheld percussion instrument that produces a ringing sound when struck.
• Harmonica: Also known as French harp or mouth organ. A reed wind instrument that is popularly used in blues and jazz.
• Wire Strippers: A handheld tool used to strip insulation from electric wires.
• Leaf Blower: Also known as a blower. A gardening toll that uses air to direct leaves and grass cuttings.
• Vaccuum: A household cleaning item that uses suction to clear dust, dirt and other small particles.
• Weed Trimmer/Whacker: Also called a weed eater, whipper snipper, line trimmer and brush cutter. A gardening tool used to cut grass.
• Digging Fork: A gardening tool with long, sturdy tines. Used similarly as a spade.
• Brake lever: The mechanism which transfers the force applied by the rider’s grip.
• Brake calipers: A type of cable brake with small metal arms.
• Cooling Rack: A type of mesh plate that is used to let hot cooked food (usually baked goods) cool down.  
• Falchion: A one-handed, single-edge sword.
• Rapier: A slender sword used in duelling and fencing.
• Katana: A long, curved, Japanese sword.
• Longsword: A straight edged, European sword.
• Battleaxe: An axe designed specifically for combat.
• Mace: A type of bludgeoning weapon with a large, heavy head.
• Morning Star: A class of medieval club-like weaponry, usually with a spiked head.
• War Hammer: A medieval weapon used for close combat. Has a long shaft/handle, a flat hammer head on one side and a long, curved spike on the other.
• Spear: A weapon where a sharp, pointed head is mounted to a long pole.
• Pike: A long pole weapon, like a thrusting spear.
• Scythe: An agricultural tool used for cutting grass and crops.
• Kunai: A Japanese throwing weapon commonly associated with ninjas.
• Pitchfork: A gardening/agricultural tool used for lifting pitch and hay, leaves, grass or straw.
• Trident: A spear with three sharp prongs. Used for spear fishing.
• Shuriken: A Japanese throwing star.
• Cannon: An explosive weapon that launches heavy cannon balls towards a target.  
• Rocket Launcher: A weapon that launches a rocket-propelled projectile.
• Dart: A small projectile thrown in games of darts.
• Throwing Knife: A relatively small projectile weapon.
• Armor: A tough protective covering for the body used in combat.
• Pistol: A type of handgun.
• Brass Knuckles: Also known as knuckledusters. A weapon used in hand-to-hand combat.
• Butterfly Knife: Also known as a balisong, fan knife or batangas knife. A pocketknife that folds up.
• Swiss Army Knife: Also known as a pocketknife or multi-tool. A handheld tool with a main blade and other small tools attached to it.
• Katar: A small type of push dagger.
• Shield: A strong handheld barrier used for protection in combat.  
• Sabre: A type of sword with a curved blade.
• Epee: The largest of the three fencing swords.
• Claymore: A Scottish two-handed sword.
• Longsword: A European sword with a long blade and a two-handed hilt.
• Barong: A wide, thick short sword.
• Scimitar: A backsword with a curved blade.
• Nunchucks: Also known as nunchaku, chainsticks, chuka sticks or nunchuks. A martial arts weapon consisting of two short rigid poles connected by a short chain.
• Flamethrower: A weapon that projects a long, controllable stream of fire.
• Cutlass: A broad sabre with a basket-shaped guard.
• Sickle: Also known as a bagging-hook or reaping-hook. An agricultural tool used for harvesting and reaping crops.  
• Guillotine: Originally a machine used for carrying out beheadings. Now a small office device used to cut paper.
• Bayonet: A knife designed to fit on the end of a firearm (which then allows it to be used as a spear).
• Rifle: A long-barrelled gun meant for accurate aiming and shooting.
• Torpedo: An explosive weapon that can self-propel towards a target.
• Telescope: An optical tool used to make distant things appear larger through magnification.
• Carbine: A long gun with a shorter barrel.
• Grenade: A handheld explosive that is thrown towards a target.
• Grenade Launcher: A weapon that launches grenades.
• Revolver: Also known as a wheel gun. A handgun with a revolving bullet chamber.
• Musket: A long gun.
• Machine Gun: An automatic gun designed to shoot bullets in rapid succession.
• Submarine: Also known simply as a sub. A type of ship that is able to fully submerge underwater.
• Adze: Also known as adz. A cutting tool that is similar to an axe.
• Lance: A long pole weapon that is generally intended to be used on horseback.
• Hatchet: A small hand axe.
• Blunderbuss: An old type of gun with a large barrel.   
• Fender: The part of a car that frames and protects the wheel.
• Car Jack: A mechanical device used to lift cars up (and other heavy loads).
• Carabiner: A metal loop with a spring-loaded clasp. Used to shackle things together.
• Grille (car): The metal covering over the opening in the car that allows air flow. Protects the engine and radiator.
• Spoiler (car): A part of a car used to “spoil” drag. Generally only specialised or racing cars have these.
• Rims (car): The outer edge of the cars’s wheel (the part that holds the tyre up).
• Radiator (car): The cooling mechanism that keeps the engine cool.  
• Propellers: A rotating fan-like device that provides thrust.
• Candlesticks: Also known as a chamberstick or candelabrum. Used for holding a taper or candle upright.
• Vase: A type of open container that is usually for storing cut flowers.
• Taser: An electrical weapon that punctures the skin and delivers and electric charge that disrupts motor control.

We hope this list of metal things was useful and that you found what you needed!

We did our best to cover all of the varied meanings of “metal” with our visual gallery of metal things and descriptive list. But if you feel there’s something we missed, please feel free to let us know and leave a comment.

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