## Common ground
All options describe thimbles made from different materials.
## Options at a glance
**3926.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from synthetic polymer (plastic), often lightweight and mass-produced.
- **Typical examples:** Disposable sewing thimbles, colorful kids’ craft thimbles.
- **Best fit when:** The thimble is flexible, molded, or made in large quantities using injection molding.
**4421.9X – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Crafted from natural wood, often hand-carved or turned on a lathe.
- **Typical examples:** Handmade wooden thimbles, rustic or artisanal designs.
- **Best fit when:** The thimble has visible grain, is solid wood, and feels heavy or warm to the touch.
**6911.90 – Porcelain or China**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay with a glazed, smooth, and often decorative surface; fragile but elegant.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative thimbles, vintage or collectible pieces.
- **Best fit when:** The thimble is shiny, non-metallic, and has a ceramic-like appearance.
**6914 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay without glaze or with a matte finish; more utilitarian than decorative.
- **Typical examples:** Simple, unglazed pottery thimbles, rustic handmade versions.
- **Best fit when:** The surface is rough, porous, or unglazed, and the material feels dense and earthy.
**7326.19,7326.90 – Iron or Steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from metal, typically hard, durable, and often used for heavy-duty sewing.
- **Typical examples:** Industrial thimbles, vintage metal thimbles with a shiny finish.
- **Best fit when:** The thimble is metallic, cold to the touch, and resists wear.
## Key differences
| Feature | Plastic | Wood | Porcelain | Ceramic | Iron/Steel |
|------------------|-------------|------------|-------------|------------|------------|
| Material | Synthetic | Natural | Glazed clay | Unglazed clay | Metal |
| Texture | Smooth, flexible | Grainy, warm | Shiny, smooth | Rough, porous | Hard, cold |
| Durability | Low | Medium | Low (fragile) | Medium | High |
## How to choose
- Is it made of plastic or synthetic material? → 3926.90
- Does it feel like wood with visible grain? → 4421.9X
- Is it shiny, glazed, and fragile? → 6911.90
- Is it matte, rough, or unglazed? → 6914
- Is it metallic, hard, and cold to the touch? → 7326.19,7326.90
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A thimble could be both ceramic (6914) and porcelain (6911.90) if glazed—use **6911.90** for glazed, **6914** for unglazed. "Ceramic" is broader; if it's glazed, prioritize 6911.90. If the material isn’t clearly defined, use the most distinctive trait: appearance and texture. No option takes priority unless context specifies (e.g., “for industrial use” → steel)