Tin has two important properties: it melts at a low temperature and it doesn't change when in damp air. When tin is mixed with lead (which also melts easily) it makes solder. Solder is used to join components together in some electrical circuits.

Because tin resists the weather, it means that it can be used to protect metals like steel that rust in damp air. Tin-coated steel is called tin plate. Tin plate is used to make food cans.

Tin is also used in the making of smooth sheets of glass. The tin is heated until it is molten then a sheet of molten glass is floated on top of it. The glass is allowed to cool on the liquid tin then it is cut up and used for making windows.

Tin is mixed with copper to make bronze for coins and ornaments.