When buying a s/s sink, as opposed to cutlery or appliances, which is
the stronger material: higher or lower number? 12 gauge?18 gauge? And
does a search for the stronger, more dense, alloy compromise the
corrosion-resistance element?

Dear jhh,

Good questions!  According to Consumer Reports, "Thin is fine. These
sinks come in gauges from 18 to 23; the lower the gauge, the thicker
the steel. But thicker isn't necessarily better. Our thin- and
thick-gauge sinks resisted dents and heat, and silenced noise
similarly. All stainless sinks resisted scratches as well as enamel,
and did nearly as well at resisting stains, though cleaning them
usually took more work."
www.ConsumerReports.org
mySimon is a CNET Networks Media Property. Copyright© 2002
mySimon.com.

The corrosion issue is a bit more complicated and it would be best if
you could read the entire articles at the following links:

Corrosion-Doctors.org:
Corrosion.
http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/MatSelect/corrstainsteel.htm

PFOnline.com:
The Passivation of Stainless Steel.
http://www.pfonline.com/articles/119806.html


The answers to most questions concerning stainless steel, can be found
at The Stainless Steel Information Center
(http://www.ssina.com/SSINA2002/), and if you can't find your answer
there, there is a toll free phone number: 1-800-982-0355 (Hot Line for
Technical Questions).


Additional links:


DoItYourself.com:
"Stainless steel is an alloy of iron which contains more than 10%
chromium. Stainless steel resists stains
but occasionally dulls or will show oily finger prints. This steel is
noted for its hardness and is used for
utensils, tableware, sinks, counter tops, and small appliances. In the
process of making it, a little of the
chromium in the alloy is used to form the hard oxide coating on the
surface. If this is taken off, through
corrosion or wear, the steel rusts like regular steel. 

Olive Oil: Rub stainless steel sinks with olive oil to remove streaks.
Vinegar: To clean and polish stainless steel, simply moisten a cloth
with undiluted white or cider vinegar and wipe clean. Can also be used
to remove heat stains on stainless steel cutlery.
Club Soda: Remove streaks or heat stains from stainless steel by
rubbing with club soda."
Copyright © 1995-2002 DoItYourself.com Inc.
http://doityourself.com/clean/stainlesssteel.htm


Michigan State University Extension:
"Stainless Steel Sinks 
CARE
Perforated rubber or plastic mats in the sink will cut down on
scratching and marking by pans and tableware.
CLEANING
Wash with a solution of hand dishwashing liquid detergent and water;
or a solution of baking soda and water. Rinse and polish dry with
paper towel or soft cloth. Never use scouring powders or steel wool as
they will scratch stainless steel. Can brighten by polishing with a
cloth dipped in vinegar, or in ammonia. Or dampen sink and a sponge;
sprinkle a little baking soda on sponge and rub sink gently; rinse.
Can polish dry with paper towel."

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist,
Emeritus.
Michigan State University Extension Home Maintenance and Repair -
01500208 - 12/04/98
http://www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/mod02/01500208.html

Search Strategy:
://www.google.ca/search?as_q=&num=100&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=stainless+steel+sinks&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images

://www.google.ca/search?as_q=&num=100&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=stainless+steel+CORROSION&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images

Search Terms Used:
"stainless steel sinks"
"stainless steel corrosion"

I hope I've been able to help - if you need clarification, please do
not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Hummer

And I herein include 5 more stars.