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Author Topic: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?  (Read 1599 times)

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Offline 4-12-2

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Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« on: January 25, 2012, 06:51:45 AM »
Guys,
 
The 1983 Mdl 88 I just picked up appears to me to be suffering from inattention to skin oils left by previous owners/users.  In other words, the "frame" or receiver area is showing some light surface rust in areas where fingers would regularly reside during shooting and carrying.
 
This area appears to me to be case hardened, but I'm not sure such is actually the case on this gun, especially for the price these guns sold/sell for new.
 
Is there a particular product or procedure your recommend for removing this material and cleaning this section of the gun overall?  I was thinking to apply some light oil for a time and then work it lightly with some 0000 steel wool, but fear even that may damage the finish.
 
Any help or suggestions deeply appreciated!
 
John
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Offline jpshaw

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2012, 12:35:10 PM »
The light oil and steel wool is what I used on my used Partner.  The wool didn't seem to hurt the finish at all but you can still see rust spots on the frame, mostly on the left side as if the previous owner had left it lying down on something wet for a long time.  There were a lot of "dents" in the stock also but I power sanded that down to a smooth finish and a thinner stock and restained it.  The wood is almost white after you take the finish off.  Cut it to straight also.
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Offline 26-t

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2012, 12:47:14 PM »
I use Breakfree oil and a (copper) penny. Oil the rusted area with breakfree and let it set overnight,then lay the penny flat on the receiver and push off the rust. Go slow and it will not scuff the finish. I use this method on some HIGH dollar SAA Colt pistols . It works for Me .Good luck 26-t
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Offline Winter Hawk

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #3 on: January 26, 2012, 03:32:01 AM »
Color case hardening does exactly that, it hardens the surface of the metal while putting those lovely colors on.  You should do well with fine steel wool and some oil.  Breakfree was recommended and I think I would go with that also.

Hey, how about some photos of the finished product?

-Kees-
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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #4 on: January 26, 2012, 03:38:20 AM »
Try Kroil oil , also add baking soda if needed , tooth paste with baking soda or Fritz would work.
 
What ever you use test a small area out of sight if possible . Some of the case harding is not real but done with chemicals for looks only and will come off.
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #5 on: January 26, 2012, 03:40:38 AM »
The oil and penny trick is a good one, it has been used for years and works well. I have used 4/0 steel wool and oil also and it works also. Do not rub hard on one small spot but rather rub equally over a larger area, the size of a half dollar or silver dollar so things are all blended in when you are done. If you live near the coast go to a boat yard that works on wooden boats and pick up some bronze wool, it is used instead of steel wool to refinish boats so any left over pieces of stel wool that may get in the final finish don't rust...<><.... :)
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Offline 4-12-2

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #6 on: January 26, 2012, 03:12:05 PM »
Thanks very much, guys!  Lots of great info there and now I can really get to work with some tried and true methods.
 
John
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Offline tacklebury

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #7 on: January 26, 2012, 04:10:16 PM »
You can use a piece of copper tubing too.  Just so long as it's copper.  Hard copper pipe is nice, because you can flatten a section and grind an edge on it and make like a flat bladed chisel.  ;)
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Offline MSP Ret

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #8 on: January 27, 2012, 08:42:42 AM »
Some info I just picked up on another firearms site is to use PB Blaster instead of oil. The poster wrote that it removed rust unbelievably well, worth a try. I think I have some in the tool shed, I will try it the next time I have to remove some rust. I'll try it both with and without rubbing the area with a penny or some copper....<><....:)
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2012, 03:46:43 AM »
And remember, pennys are only copper plated since about, what, '72ish. The zinc core wont hurt anything because the principle is to use 'something' softer than the metal/finish you are working on.FWIW, Ive used a neck flattened 30-06 case for years, it gives good purchase for manipulating and if you fine file a bit of a edge on it now and then it is a fine tool.
Make sure you use some soaking oil, even kerosene or mineral spirits, to loosen the crust & rust, overnight is good. Rub or scrape the worst spots first, working outward to an ever enlarging area. If any spot seems to be 'going dry' add more oil
I also like to use my 'loupe', or any magnifier; its nice to actually see what Im doing!
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Offline 4-12-2

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2012, 01:37:06 PM »
Well, it's live 'n learn time for Johnny.  I tried the copper twoice and it did make some difference.  Then I ddecided the try the 4-aught steel wool.  NATURALLY...I used too much pressure in a few places....you guys can guess what happened to some finished areas.  Yup!
 
"PATIENCE idiot...PATIENCE!!!"
 
Oh well, it still looks OK and frankly better than seven or eight others I saw at local shops this weekend, so I'm not to upset with myself.  And, I learned some good lessons.
 
I plan on trying the PB Blaster next time I have reason to do this sort of work, too.
 
Thanks, guys!
 
John
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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #11 on: February 13, 2012, 05:13:05 AM »
Consider this:
Degrease the receiver a couple of times, then dont touch it; once it has dried swab on some cold blue (whatever you have) and let it dry to its film, then lightly buff it off with a piece of cloth. It will 'add' some colors to the bare/thin spots and help blend in with the remaining colors. You can do this a couple of times if you want too, then oil for protection.
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Offline r29l20

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Re: Clean "case hardened" receiver/frame area?
« Reply #12 on: February 18, 2012, 10:41:52 PM »
Quote from: gcrank1 on February 13, 2012, 05:13:05 AM
Consider this:
Degrease the receiver a couple of times, then dont touch it; once it has dried swab on some cold blue (whatever you have) and let it dry to its film, then lightly buff it off with a piece of cloth. It will 'add' some colors to the bare/thin spots and help blend in with the remaining colors. You can do this a couple of times if you want too, then oil for protection.

+1
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