Ideas other than brass or copper for handle ferrules?

[JoeCallahan]

I've used both brass fittings and copper pipe as handle ferrules before, but their colors don't always pair perfectly with every project. What other metals have you tried, and how did you source them(i.e. plumbing fittings, raw tubing, etc.)?

 

[wood-of-1kind]

I've used aluminum, steel and bronze ferrules. I basically set aside any bushing like tubing that I think may be suitable
to use as a ferrule and go from there and cut to size. I have a small storage box specifically designated for collection.

 

[Woodchipper]

Brass ferrule nuts.

 

[rherrell]

Stainless steel would look good all polished up, HERE is some from Online Metals, $20 a foot but that will make quite a few.

 

[jrista]

I'd second steel. I think it would look darn good on many tool handles.

 

[egnald]

My favorites so far are Stainless Steel Pex Crimp Sleeves. I really like the flare side against my handle and the crimp? (reverse flare?) on the other end. I think they give my tools a much more polished look than simple copper sleeves. I even use the 1/2 inch ones on smaller hand tools like files and screwdrivers. (It's just too bad that they have that extra hole on the side). - Dave