cleaning brass/bronze fittings

[michael coleParticipant @michaelcole91146]

I have found tucked under my bench, a set of 3 cock gauge fittings in a very heavy corroded state.Brass or Bronze?. I have just dunked them a jar of vinegar to see if they can be recovered. Any other ideals for removing the hard green substance. Also when I remove them from the vinegar apart from a good wash in water anything else should I do?

Thanks

Mike

[michael coleParticipant @michaelcole91146]

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

I would suggest a complete dismantle, check the condition of the tapers (if they are indeed taps of a sort) and other sealing surfaces, and if OK, grease with silicone grease, put in a polythene bag, and hide them under the bench for the next 20 years.

The green is called 'patination' if you want it, but corrosion if you don't.

Cheers, Tim

[Boiler BriParticipant @boilerbri]

You found them so if you clean them and it does not work you have lost nothing?

Try pickling them in acetic acid. Nothing ventured nothing gained!

Bri

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

You could try horolene from here:-

https://www.cousinsuk.com/catalog/consumables/clock-cleaning-fluids/fluid-horolene-clock-concentrate

It's designed to clean clocks (brass/non ferrous)

regards Martin

[michael coleParticipant @michaelcole91146]

I ended up soaking them in a jam jar of vinager for 24 hours and then put into the dishwasher on a hot cycle. They came out , very clean. The heavy disposits all gone.

Mike

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