What is the material it's made of like? A couple reviewers said flimsy metal, another said chrome-plated plastic. I'm confused!
1088733
The section that catches the shavings is thin metal. The base is die-cast metal.
1088734
It's metal but it is thin and cheap. I remember the school ones were way more substantial.
1088735
Rebecca it is metal. I do not see any difference between this unit and the ones I remember from school (mind you that was many years ago)... LOL
1088736
Shiny plated metal forms the pencil-shaving container. The stand is cast metal.
1088737
I was surprised at how *substantial* the box felt when it arrived (it was only about $12 after all...). I think that stainless steel is a combination of iron and tin and the hollow body of this contraption feels more like stainless steel than that of a tin can and it is shinier than a tin can also and perhaps more thick. I read the previous three answers and if not all, many of them spoke of the cast mounting base -- that feels like an iron skillet and is quite heavy. You will not be able to mount this lovely cutting machine onto a hollow door. Get it! You will probably be at the least happy with it or as me, surprised by how good it is given the price and how many of these things have not seemed to have made it into the new millennium with its 1950's and 1960's integrity in tact.
1088738
very durable as we have 2 home middle school kids, that love to destroy their pencils! a must buy
666105
The one I bought is chrome colored plastic. There is also one available in chrome coated brass.
1643845
It appears to be plastic....however it feels like it could be metal. Also it is covered with something that feels soft and fuzzy??? Unit is solid and well built.
2092892
It is plastic but not a real light one it's got sum body to it! I'm pleased with it , it seems to be holding up well....
2035417
It is some form of metal. Possibly steel with Chrome plating. It has not yet worn off.
1789250
It is chrome-colored. It is plastic, but I think it is well made. It doesn't matter so much that it is plastic because you aren't weighing anything heavy enough to break it. It works really well, and is super easy to use. I use mine at least once a day!
336446
I do believe it is made of plastic. I have no idea where it was made. If you have not purchased this item yet, I would not recommend it. Spend a little more and get a metal one.
1216768
It is made out of metal. I really like it. For the money, I think it is the best!
1999290
It is chromed plastic. the inner workings have to have some metal due to the weight of the whole unit, but it is sturdy and made well. It sits right between the forks on my motorcycle, so it gets all the wind right over it, and even with the horrible roads in Tucson, AZ it has held up well. Sounds GREAT!!!!!! as well.
2142655
It is not plastic, it is metal. But I would not recommend it anyway. The metal main body cracked on me. I do not know why - I did not overload it at all. I just noticed once that there was a crack there. It is still usable, but I will buy another.
422539
Chromed plastic. I guess it depends on where you intend to mount it. I have it installed in a fairly protected location and am happy with it. It powers my iPhone which I am now using as my GPS after my Zumo 550 died.
378113
Sorry I did not answer sooner but I was away from my computer. I bought the dealer style plate holder and it is made of chrome plated die-cast metal. In my opinion it is very sturdy,looks great and is well worth the money. I hope this helps you in making your decision. Again I am sorry I could not answer you sooner.
1024601
It looks like metal, but seems to be plastic. You can't tell by looking at it. We like it.
355898
Arun, The first one I purchased over 5 years ago is metal,my new one purchased a few months ago appears to be plastic (I haven't used it yet). I hope it works well,but now that you have called this to my attention I am dubious.
1309536
It appears to be a heavy gage plastic. It is very sturdy & does not bend. Not flimsy at all.
2074302
I can't find anything specific on the packaging that states so, but it certainly feels heavy and chrome-like. At the very least, I would say it is chrome plated. It is a really high quality little piece, honestly. I've been happy with it.
1965725
It's made of metal but very lightweight and it has hollow bars. We've had it about 3 months now and no problems so far.