TargetTalk

Hello,

Winter has me cleaning a lot more indoors lately and recently I started looking into cleaning up my old Anschutz rifle. I have an old 1913 and the Aluminum has become a little grimy (especially around the hook).

Anyone have a good suggestion for a cleanser for these types of aluminum products?

Thanks,

Peter

For aluminium around the hook I'd suggest it's grease and fatty type residues. I'd opt for an organic solvent of some sort personally, one that disolves grease. White spirits should do the job.

Rob.

What do you guys think of simple green which I believe is a bio-degradable degreaser.

Thanks,

Pete

"Barkeepers Friend" scouring powder.

My extremely fussy "Princess of Power" won't use anything else for her cookware.

I would completely disassemble the hook and use simple green with an old toothbrush.
DON'T get it on the wood and make sure you rinse and dry thoughly.
I was thinking of doing that to my 1813 but did not feel like disassembleing the hook that much.
do not wash the black steel cap screws and any other steel items because they will rust if the oils are washed off them.

When I'm restoring alluminum parts on my classic motorcycles I put the dismantled parts in the dish washer, brings them up a treat, just need to do it when the wife's not about!
Best regards
Robin

RobinC wrote:When I'm restoring alluminum parts on my classic motorcycles I put the dismantled parts in the dish washer, brings them up a treat, just need to do it when the wife's not about!
Best regards
Robin

many (most?) dishwasher detergents are highly caustic - even mildly caustic cleaners will etch aluminium and Al alloys

Have a look in the Auto shops for Mag wheel cleaners and polish.

[Is your aluminum part coated?]
[Aluminum] How do you know if it is coated? Buy a metal polish (I like Maguires) from your local automotive detailer. It is usually sold in small tins for refinishing aluminum wheels. Using a clean, dry rag, rub a little onto the surface of your trailer in an inconspicuous spot. Continue rubbing, and if there is no clear coat, the rag will begin to turn black. Continuing buffing with a fresh clean dry area of the cloth, this surface will polish to a brilliant shine. If it is clear coated, the clear coat may look cleaner, however the rag will not turn black.

http://www.howtocleananything.com/docs_ ... stream.htm

[Uncoated aluminum]
Unfinished aluminum doesn't rust, however it does oxidize. This type of corrosion actually protects the metal from the elements, however it is not nearly as brilliant as the piece looked originally. This can be rectified by using a metal polishing paste. This paste has very fine abrasives, which actually remove the oxidation. Once polished up, protect this surface with an automotive paste wax. Bad oxidation may cause pitting which looks like small specks, however the metal polish will not be able to remove deep pitting with a light polish. Alkaline cleaners will CAUSE oxidation, so avoid chemicals like ammonia (found in Windex), and TSP. If a piece is lightly oxidized (from pollution) try an acidic solution (1:1) of white vinegar and water.

http://www.howtocleananything.com/Docs_ ... niture.htm

I hope this helps!

Guest2. wrote:What do you guys think of simple green which I believe is a bio-degradable degreaser.
Pete

Simple Green has no negative effect on blued steel or stainless steel. We now use it full-strength in the ultrasonic tank and it does an exceptional cleaning job, better than firearm solvents and cleaners. In the ultrasonic it will dull aluminum in minutes, and with enough time remove anodized finishes on aluminum. But, when used on aluminum manually with brush or rag it does not appear to harm the metal at all.

RobinC wrote:When I'm restoring alluminum parts on my classic motorcycles I put the dismantled parts in the dish washer, brings them up a treat, just need to do it when the wife's not about!
Best regards
Robin

Ha, not much aluminum (aluminium) on classic bikes. I'm restoring a couple of H1s and I think that only the heads are aluminum.

Joel