Rust Repair - Page 2

Jim Watson · November 23, 2024, 01:20 PM

I remember seeing a dealer scuffing a rusty old gun with a penny in idle moments in his store.

**4V50 Gary** · November 23, 2024, 01:52 PM

Pre 1983 pennies are good to remove rust. Apply a cleaning solvent to remove any copper residue. A professor had me apply nickel (five cent piece) along with coconut oil to remove rust from antique guns (afterward treated with Renaissance Wax).

Algunner · November 23, 2024, 04:14 PM

Just looked thorough Hatchers Notes and couldn’t find anything about hydrogen embrittlement. Could someone give a page number? Have done small parts and no issues. Large parts should be less of an issue.

tangolima · November 24, 2024, 01:06 PM

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement

Although the phenomenon was discovered quite early, it might have gotten much attention from the industry. Most of the references in the Wikipedia entry are quite modern. Hatcher might not be aware of it, and I don't remember he mentioned anything electrolysis either.

I tried removing rust by electrolysis. It was effective but a bit messy. If I remember correctly, the work piece is to be connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. H2 gas bubbles are formed on its surface. As per the Wikipedia description, that's the worst kind of hydrogen causing embrittlement.

I didn't plan to use the method on gun parts. Knowing this totally rules it out. I am very fond of rust blueing. I would go that route instead.

I built a steam pipe out of ABS pipe. It works marvelously when trying on a rusty shotgun. But again, it doesn't work putting a heavily rusted piece directly into the steam for conversion. There will still be red rust under the thin black oxide layer. It requires preparations prior to remove most of the red rust.

-TL

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Algunner · January 1, 2025, 09:01 PM

I would think if you are rust bluing the steam and hot water would remove the embedded hydrogen?

Ricklin · January 2, 2025, 01:40 AM

Living in a rain forest, rust happens. My very favorite is Gary's method, pre 83 penny and oil, I use CLP just rub the rust away with the penny.

**4V50 Gary** · January 2, 2025, 01:37 PM

BTW, apply Renaissance Wax if the gun will not be used. If the gun is to be used, use RIG Gun Grease instead. It's cheaper and works well. My friend buffed his 10/22 bbl until it was bright and applied RIG which he buffed in. He did three coats. After 15 years in the SF Bay Area, there's still no rust.

Ricklin · January 2, 2025, 01:49 PM

I will get some of that wax, thank you.

November 23, 2024, 01:52 PM	#27
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,294	Pre 1983 pennies are good to remove rust. Apply a cleaning solvent to remove any copper residue. A professor had me apply nickel (five cent piece) along with coconut oil to remove rust from antique guns (afterward treated with Renaissance Wax). __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

January 2, 2025, 01:40 AM	#31
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,374	Living in a rain forest, rust happens. My very favorite is Gary's method, pre 83 penny and oil, I use CLP just rub the rust away with the penny. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

January 2, 2025, 01:37 PM	#32
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,294	BTW, apply Renaissance Wax if the gun will not be used. If the gun is to be used, use RIG Gun Grease instead. It's cheaper and works well. My friend buffed his 10/22 bbl until it was bright and applied RIG which he buffed in. He did three coats. After 15 years in the SF Bay Area, there's still no rust. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

January 2, 2025, 01:49 PM	#33
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,374	I will get some of that wax, thank you. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

November 23, 2024, 01:20 PM	#26
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,159	I remember seeing a dealer scuffing a rusty old gun with a penny in idle moments in his store.

November 23, 2024, 04:14 PM	#28
Algunner Member Join Date: October 14, 2024 Posts: 85	Just looked thorough Hatchers Notes and couldn’t find anything about hydrogen embrittlement. Could someone give a page number? Have done small parts and no issues. Large parts should be less of an issue.

November 24, 2024, 01:06 PM	#29
tangolima Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2013 Posts: 5,130	https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement Although the phenomenon was discovered quite early, it might have gotten much attention from the industry. Most of the references in the Wikipedia entry are quite modern. Hatcher might not be aware of it, and I don't remember he mentioned anything electrolysis either. I tried removing rust by electrolysis. It was effective but a bit messy. If I remember correctly, the work piece is to be connected to the negative terminal of the power supply. H2 gas bubbles are formed on its surface. As per the Wikipedia description, that's the worst kind of hydrogen causing embrittlement. I didn't plan to use the method on gun parts. Knowing this totally rules it out. I am very fond of rust blueing. I would go that route instead. I built a steam pipe out of ABS pipe. It works marvelously when trying on a rusty shotgun. But again, it doesn't work putting a heavily rusted piece directly into the steam for conversion. There will still be red rust under the thin black oxide layer. It requires preparations prior to remove most of the red rust. -TL Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

January 1, 2025, 09:01 PM	#30
Algunner Member Join Date: October 14, 2024 Posts: 85	I would think if you are rust bluing the steam and hot water would remove the embedded hydrogen?