The Analytical Research Services laboratory of the Canadian Conservation Institute developed quick and reliable spot tests which can easily be used by conservators on metal objects. A set of tests for the qualitative determination of Au, Cu, Fe, Sn, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Sb has been distilled from the literature and from those tests presently used by conservators. Minimal damage to the object being tested can be achieved through a combination of electrolytic sample collection, spot test papers available commercially, and the standard microchemical tests; the procedures found to be optimum are described.