What material are breaker points usually made of?

Breaker points are typically made of tungsten because of its excellent properties that suit the demands of small engine ignition systems. Tungsten has a high melting point, which is critical in preventing wear and maintaining performance during the rapid opening and closing cycles that occur in breaker points. This durability ensures that the breaker points can withstand the heat generated during operation without degrading or failing. Additionally, tungsten's high resistance to erosion makes it ideal for the high-friction environment inside the ignition system, allowing for reliable and consistent operation over time.

Other materials, while they may have their advantages in different contexts, do not possess the same combination of high-temperature stability and wear resistance that tungsten offers, making it the superior choice for this specific application.