Corrosion question

[boykinlp]

I have a couple of the wood cases for Model 27s. I don't store the guns in them, but I do store the tools and paperwork in them. Yesterday, I opened them for the first time in months and noticed the wire brush, in both cases, had a white powdery substance on them. It was also on the blue cloth. I just brushed it out with my hand and all seems well. I assume it is some type of corrosion. Should placing a desiccants pack in the box take care of the problem? If not, what what you suggest? I would really hate to have to separate the tools from the cases, but I will if necessary.

Also, I have used a Remington dehumidifier and a golden rod in my safe for years with great success. Today, while surfing the net, I noticed an ad for the humidifier. It stated that the humidifier had a 5 year warranty. I have had mine for much longer than that. Do you think these things have a life span?

 

[hsguy]

I would take the tools out and store them separately in a plastic bag labeled to show which box they go in. It may not be a moisture problem but a reaction to the box lining or wood. Why take a chance.

 

[Rule3]

White powdery substance? Perhaps mold? The Blue Cloth or flocking will not "corrode" may fall apart and disintegrate but not corrosion in the true sense of the word.

desiccant pack draw moisture so in a enclosed box they do more harm than good IMO (and the locksmith safe guy) Is your house air conditioned?

 

[Class III]

Also, I have used a Remington dehumidifier and a golden rod in my safe for years with great success. Today, while surfing the net, I noticed an ad for the humidifier. It stated that the humidifier had a 5 year warranty. I have had mine for much longer than that. Do you think these things have a life span?

I don't know what the life span of either dehumidifier is but I can tell you that I have had two of them give up the ghost in the last few years. They averaged about nine years each.

Class III

 

[Packard]

Almost certainly the white powder is zinc oxide.

Typically the bristles of the brush are made from either brass, bronze or stainless steel. The bristles are not the source of the white powder.

The handle is probably made from pre-galvanized tubing or wire. Unlike zinc plating which has a chromate conversion coating to prevent the oxidizing of the zinc, pre-galvanized materials are only protected by either a light coating of oil, or more usually a light coating of paraffin wax which is applied as a water soluble liquid.

The wax coating offers just temporary protection. Over time the zinc will first turn dull, then dark gray, and then the white powdery zinc oxide will form.

I would protect the parts as follows (for storage):

Using 0000 steel wool, clean off any zinc oxide from the handle. Then coat it with a rust inhibiting oil such as 3 in One, or by spraying it with WD-40. Leave a heavy coating in either case. Then put the brush in a zip lock baggie forcing out all of the air before sealing.

Once a year wipe down the handle with a rag and re-oil and re-seal in a fresh baggie.

If you are planning on using the brush then just wipe the handle with an oily rag between uses and don’t bother with the baggie.

 

[boykinlp]

Thanks for the replys. I think Packard has hit the nail on the head. The powder does seem to be coming from the wires that the brush bristles are connected to. These accessories are basically for show and not used. I will clean them up and store them a different way since I don't want to get oil on the blue flocking of the cases.

 

[Sebago Son]

Parkard is a little off the mark. The cleaning rods are aluminum not steel. Also, it is likely that the white powery substance is the result of copper eating bore cleaner.

 

[boykinlp]

Parkard is a little off the mark. The cleaning rods are aluminum not steel. Also, it is likely that the white powery substance is the result of copper eating bore cleaner.

Only problem here is that both brushes were never used.

 

[Sebago Son]

BOTH brushes? Did I miss something?

 

[Packard]

Parkard is a little off the mark. The cleaning rods are aluminum not steel. Also, it is likely that the white powery substance is the result of copper eating bore cleaner.

Copper oxide is green. I don't think it is that.

Aluminum oxide is also white, but I would not expect to see it on aluminum that has been stored indoors.

Also note that both aluminum oxide and zinc oxide tend to stick to the aluminum or zinc from which it was formed. It does not flake off like dandruff, but will easily rub off using a rag.

Bore brushes are usually made from hard brass or bronze. The brushes are bound together by a piece of heavier twisted wire. Frequently that wire is pre-galvanized. But even if it formed there I find it odd that the zinc oxide would flake off onto the other surfaces.

Here is an image of a bore brush showing the twisted wire. In this case the twisted wire appears to be copper or brass. See: http://www.proshotproducts.com/assets/images/45BCHIRES.jpg

 

[Rule3]

Why would what ever it is, be on the Blue Flocking? Corrosion does not jump off and migrate to non metal.

A picture would be very helpful.

Living in the land of mold and mildew (rust and corrosion also) I am guessing powdery mildew.

 

[boykinlp]

BOTH brushes? Did I miss something?

I have 2 cases and the brushes in both cases had the white powder around them.

Why would what ever it is, be on the Blue Flocking? Corrosion does not jump off and migrate to non metal.

A picture would be very helpful.

Living in the land of mold and mildew (rust and corrosion also) I am guessing powdery mildew.

Unfortunately, I brushed the powdery stuff away with my fingers before I thought of taking a picture. I then placed the end of the rod with the brush in a plastic sheath (part of a sandwich bag) of sorts. I did not want to ruin my blue flocking.

I can't imagine it being mildew or mold. The cases are kept on top of a cabinet in air conditioning and no water is present.

I guess I could take one out of the "plastic sheath" and close up the case again and see what happens.

 

[Packard]

I have 2 cases and the brushes in both cases had the white powder around them.



Unfortunately, I brushed the powdery stuff away with my fingers before I thought of taking a picture. I then placed the end of the rod with the brush in a plastic sheath (part of a sandwich bag) of sorts. I did not want to ruin my blue flocking.

I can't imagine it being mildew or mold. The cases are kept on top of a cabinet in air conditioning and no water is present.

I guess I could take one out of the "plastic sheath" and close up the case again and see what happens.

If it does. Of smell it is not mold or mildew. Did you see the source of the powder before you cleaned it off?

 

[Packard]

If it does not smell it is not mold or mildew. Did you see the source of the powder before you cleaned it off?

correction made

 

[boykinlp]

If it does. Of smell it is not mold or mildew. Did you see the source of the powder before you cleaned it off?

It appeared to me to be coming from the twisted wire that holds the bristles on the brush.

 

[Packard]

It appeared to me to be coming from the twisted wire that holds the bristles on the brush.

If the twisted wire is silver colored it is likely galvanized (zinc coated) and the powder is probably zinc oxide. Store them outside the case.

The brushes are pretty much generic, so when it comes time to sell or trade, you can just replace the brushes with new ones.

 

[boykinlp]

If the twisted wire is silver colored it is likely galvanized (zinc coated) and the powder is probably zinc oxide. Store them outside the case.

The brushes are pretty much generic, so when it comes time to sell or trade, you can just replace the brushes with new ones.

Yes, they are silver colored. Thanks for the info.