I have quite a few cases of assorted sizes that I've picked up hither and yon, and a lot of them are very heavily tarnished to a dark gray, almost black, from sitting in the dirt/weather for years. Can anybody recommend a safe chemical dip of some kind that I can soak these in to remove the tarnishing before tumbling?
Something that won't hurt the brass itself or weaken it. I can probably beadblast them, but that's kinda drastic and not that effective, I've tried a few already. Sure would appreciate any good tips on a soaking solution!
Thanks!
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I child-proofed my house, but they still keep getting in!
I can sugest not worrying about tarnish.Just be sure they are clean from residue.You will be throwing them away soon anyway and they work just as well with a little design on them as when they are shiney.Anything that would take stain out probably isn't good for brass. sam.
A big bucket of non-sweetened Orange Koolaid - "Bug Juice" as my old Senior Chief called it. I had the cleanest, shiniest and best smelling fire station brass on my Frigate. The stuff cleans any copper or brass, with no detrimental effect - it isn't strong enough tto alter the metal as stronger solvents might.
Anything with ascetic acid will work actually - lemonaid, tomato juice, etc.
I recommend not reloading any brass that has been out in the weather long enough to turn black.
Reason?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Dog
A big bucket of non-sweetened Orange Koolaid - "Bug Juice" as my old Senior Chief called it. I had the cleanest, shiniest and best smelling fire station brass on my Frigate. The stuff cleans any copper or brass, with no detrimental effect - it isn't strong enough tto alter the metal as stronger solvents might.
Anything with ascetic acid will work actually - lemonaid, tomato juice, etc.
As in regular old orange Kool-Aid, but with no sugar added? I've heard of using citric acid, but can't find any.
I almost ordered some IOSSO brass cleaner from Midway, but the S&H fees nearly doubled the price. Can't find it locally either.
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I child-proofed my house, but they still keep getting in!
Last edited by rondog; 05-22-2008 at 06:17 PM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
So, Kool-Aid works, huh? I'm not looking to make the brass shiny and usable, just looking to clean the heavy oxidation off enough so that my tumbler and polish will finish 'em up. Just a "pre-soak", if you will. I tried some white vinegar and also CLR, but they both made the brass turn kinda pink, so I tossed 'em.
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I child-proofed my house, but they still keep getting in!
I have no idea if it is effective for cleaning up the tarnish, but one mild acid that is available at most hardware/plumbing stores is phosphoric acid. It is used in plumbing to clean up rusty pipes. Same stuff used in Coca-Cola, and you should be able to clean it up with water afterwards. I think the suggestions to carefully inspect your brass for cracking are a good idea.
OK, I tried the orange KoolAid last night, and while the results were not spectacular, it did actually work somewhat, I'm amazed! I mixed it double strength, two packets to about 2-1/2 quarts of water, and let 'em soak for about 1 hour & 45 minutes.
The really heavy deposits didn't clean off, but the lighter ones did. The cases were still ugly, but after running all night in fresh corncob media w/Frankford Arsenal brass polish, the majority polished up well. Had several that needed a little attention with Brasso and a rag. Still have some nasty ones to work on. Perhaps I should forego the double strength, and let 'em soak longer?
FWIW, I broke down and called IOSSO this morning and ordered a gallon of their Brass Case Cleaner. It was cheaper from them than Midway, cheaper shipping anyway. That's supposed to be good shizz, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. I got the gallon because I don't need the bucket or mesh bag in their "kit".
Quote:
Originally Posted by rfc357
Rondog, I have had such cases crumble in my hands.
Yeah, that's why I tossed 'em. I looked at 'em and said "hmmmm, oh well".
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I child-proofed my house, but they still keep getting in!
Last edited by rondog; 05-23-2008 at 03:01 PM.
Reason: Automerged Doublepost
I rarely 'clean' my brass before reloading. I don't care if it's shiney, as long as it isn't crusty. If there is lots of loose crud, I knock it out or run a swab inside.
I guess I'm just not that picky.
I don't use really dark brass - got plenty that's fairly clean.
I use the Lyman Turbo Tumbler media. I think it's the walnut shells with jewlers rouge in it. A couple of hours in the tumbler and my darkest brass comes out pretty shiny.
A big bucket of non-sweetened Orange Koolaid - "Bug Juice" as my old Senior Chief called it. I had the cleanest, shiniest and best smelling fire station brass on my Frigate. The stuff cleans any copper or brass, with no detrimental effect - it isn't strong enough tto alter the metal as stronger solvents might.
Anything with ascetic acid will work actually - lemonaid, tomato juice, etc.
Correction, lemonaid, tomato juice and Orange Koolaid have Citric Acid (as in "citrus" fruits).
Acetic acid is what vinegar is made of (5% acetic acid by weight in water).
-Your resident chemist (I'll have my degree on August 22nd).
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OOPS.... My bad - you are indeed correct, sir!
Regarding cleaning - I do make sure it's not gunky and crusty before reloading, but just don't care about whether it's super shiney - it just gets tarnished again when shot.
