How to identify galvanised and stainless cables? Recently I bought some stainless steel gear and brake cables. I have 3 packets of cables from 3 Ebay shops. How do I identify if they are genuine stainless steel cables or if I've been ripped off?

Using a magnet - 2 packets stick to the magnet, galvanised cables also stick to magnet with similar force.

Can I use anything from my kitchen to test the cables. Something like vinegar, lemon juice, cola or even bleach. I could rub them with something abrasive and then leave the cables in salty water for a period of time.

Any ideas?
If you really want to test, you can cut a small piece of cable on each and put them in bleach.


Stainless steel would corrode with rust forming evenly.
Galvanised steel would mostly corrode on the cross-section of the cable (where the cut is made). The (correctly) galvanised area will likely to be white.


A little note:


For your time testing, just buy a better cable from a reliable shop next time
The reaction may produce harmful gas, don't put them indoor or unventilated area