grip screw seized

[remerus]

Originally Posted by Olle

Seems like you have a pretty even coat of brown patina, so If you're planning a refinish you can try and boil the parts in distilled water first. This will make the rust turn black, just like when you rust blue. If everything has an even patina, you might end up with a finish nice enough to keep as is. I have done this with some parts I just wanted to "freshen up" without refinishing them, and it works quite well.

Sounds like an interesting idea Olle. Tell me how long do you boil the parts for when you do it? I would assume also you would need to emmerse the parts in a good mineral oil for some time afterwards to displace the water?

[Olle]

Originally Posted by remerus

Sounds like an interesting idea Olle. Tell me how long do you boil the parts for when you do it? I would assume also you would need to emmerse the parts in a good mineral oil for some time afterwards to displace the water?

Sorry for the late reply, I forgot that I posted this... Anywho, you need to degrease everything thoroughly, then boil in distilled water. You'll see the patina turning black almost immediately, but I'd still boil for about 10-15 minutes, maybe more if the brown buildup is thick.

Blow the parts dry with compressed air while they are still hot, then use a thin penetrating oil to protect them. I use Brownells "After Bluing Oil" http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...-prod1086.aspx ), it will soak in everywhere and dry to a thin, waxy film. It's the best stuff I have found for protecting gun parts, you don't have to wipe it off or anything. Just shake off the excess and let it dry.

BTW: This method works quite well for refreshing case hardening as well. Case hardened parts are a royal PITA to blue, but it they have a brown patina you can make them look pretty darn good just by boiling them.