Author Topic: Surface rust (Read 623 times)

379 Peterbilt · « **on:** February 19, 2005, 03:08:33 PM »

Pulled out some rarely used rifles for their annual "oil bath" cleaning and discovered one had some surface rust with slight pitting. As you can figure, I oiled them spots real good in addition to scrubbing said spots with a pencil eracer. Spots still prevalant

Any tips?

curator · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2005, 03:25:11 PM »

Try bronze wool and a good penetrating oil. At the Museum where I work we use various grades of bronze wool and Kroil for removing rust from blued firearms. Bronze wool does not scratch or thin the bluing or case hardening colors. It is available at most hardware stores and boat supply stores.

379 Peterbilt · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2005, 01:43:02 AM »

curator

Thanks for the tip. I must admit I dont hear much about bronze wool, but I will be looking into that. Thanks

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2005, 03:03:18 PM »

I use WD40 and 0000 steel wool. This will remove loose rust. The area can be protected from further rust with a material called 'RustPreventIt'. It's a spray on waxy material.. wonlt rub off and can be easily removed with nearly any solvent. Stops rust cold.

earschplitinloudenboomer · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2005, 07:33:49 PM »

If you have slight pitting the rust will be difficult to remove with steel wool without removing some of your blueing. Method for removing the most rust while leaving the most blueing is: Soak effected area with terpentine, then clean with pumis (rotten stone, available from Brownells) go gently, wipe totally clean with soft cloth or paper towel and LOOK at the effected area often to make sure blueing is not being removed. Repeat process as necessary until rust is gone or blueing starts to thin or pale. finish up with good rust preventitive (oil).

Airsporter · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2005, 12:24:37 AM »

I've heard Flitz metal polish will remove surface rust without affecting the blueing, but I've never tried it personally.

PeterF. · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2005, 05:58:45 AM »

I used Flitz once and, while it removed the rust and put a mirror finish in my barrel, it also seemed to remove much of the bluing. I was told, later on, that there can be some residual bluing action going on and that, if I left it alone, the blue-ness would largely return. I can't say whether this is true. I was so panicked when I saw the blue had come off that I ran out and had it re-blued ASAP. Anybody know? Anyway, be careful with Flitz.