Anyone used wax for corrosion protection on handguns?

[Smaug]

Over in the woodworking world, we use paste wax as a lubricant and corrosion protector because it doesn't attract sawdust and because it stays on longer.

In the shooting world, we use oil, and I've also heard of certain types of grease. But why not paste wax? Maybe not in the bore, but everywhere else.

What made me think of this was the garage gun thread, and folks just assuming that a gun left in the garage would have to get rusty.

 

[Hud]

Yes.

I have used Johnson's Paste Wax on my guns for years, stocks and metal.
Something my dad taught me.

Then when I got into woodworking, I started using it on the cast iron tables of all my stationary power tools (I am sure you know how quickly bare, un-protected cast iron can rust) and the iron and wood soles of my planes. Keeps them smooth as silk and never rust.

Hud

 

[rcmodel]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4110525&postcount=7

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4710898&postcount=11

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4768433&postcount=6

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4856775&postcount=5

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4939530&postcount=2

rcmodel

 

[dogngun]

I know some guys who use auto wax to protect agaionst the elements.
I have been using High Temp Auto Grease, available for a few bucks for about a pound. Wipe it on, wipe it off. It leaves a very thin coat on firearms that will resisr rust and corrosion.It does not feel greasy, and lasts for a long time.

I read about using this in a post by a gunsmith from Lousiana, where it is even more humid than here in Pennsylvania. I have been using this stuff for well over 5 years in all weather with very good results.

mark

 

[Steve C]

Wax should work fine for protecting the exterior metal and stocks but you still need a lubricant for the internals and moving parts.

 

[CWL]

Wax has been used on guns and all weapons and armor for centuries, probably millenia to protect them from the elements.

Wax has been around a lot longer than petroleum-based chemicals.

 

[vanilla_gorilla]

Many people like Johnsons

 

[Hawk]

I like Renaissance wax.

 

[Brian Williams]

I like the big yellow can of Johnson's paste wax along with Renaissance wax or some RIG.

 

[mainmech48]

I've used various automotive waxes for many years. The compounds these use generally leave a much "harder" finish than general purpose 'paste' waxes and seem to hold up better to friction, body heat and moisture over time.

Just be sure to pick one which does NOT use the words "polish" or "cleaner" anywhere on the label!
These nearly always contain some sort of abrasive or chemical cleaning solvent in their formula and will ruin a blued finish and degrade most others to some degree or another.

Don't forget to treat the bore and chamber(s) as well as the exterior surfaces.

You'll still want to use a good lubricant on the working parts. Finding one that doesn't 'migrate' onto your clothes, etc. is much easier now and there are lots of options.

 

[kymarkh]

Works well on blued firearms.

 

[wjh2657]

I recently went through a bad experience with a tornado. Tornado took house and garage. Guns were in the interior closet with wife and myself, this was only structure left standing. it was three days of driving rain before I could get to guns under all of the rubble. Guns that were waxed did not rust. Guns not waxed, wiped with silicone, covered with all kinds of oils (RemOil,CLP, Hoppes, etc.) all rusted badly. Wax was plain old Johnson's wax (no cleaner or abrasive). I used to use RenWax but have switched to Johnson's. I lube the inside of my guns, but I wax the outside! Just my experience.

 

[CWL]

wjh2657,
Sorry to hear what you went thru, glad to know you & missus are safe.

Glad also that at least some of your firearms made it thru.

 

[oneounceload]

I've used auto wax on the tile in my shower to keep soap scum, hard water buildup and lime/scale from building up, so I would assume it would work on guns as well

 

[Rustynuts]

I believe paraffin is the base for Boeshield T-9 spray. Used for corrosion protection for aerospace, AND has firearms listed right on the can! Good stuff for guns and table saws.

 

[crankshop1000]

Johnsons works great, especially if you lightly heat up the metal before applying.

 

[Scotticus]

Isn't that Blue Wonder Armadillo stuff like a wax? I've heard good things about it but haven't tried it yet.

 

[novaDAK]

I use Johnson Paste Wax on a few of my guns that are not stainless or melonite-treated. Works well for keeping rust away!

On my nice blued range-only guns, I just use breakfree since I don't handle them as much and I clean them when I come home from the range.

 

[M'bogo]

I have had good results using Flitz Rifle/Gun Wax. I picked some up from a friend a few years back and I am still using the smae bottle. A little goes a long ways.

M'bogo

 

[doubleh]

Yes, for about 40 years. And on my rifles and shotguns too. I use oil and grease for internal lubrication but use wax for external protection. Used to use Johnson's Paste Wax but switched to Pledge several years ago. It doesn't turn white in the cracks and seems to protect just as well as the paste. No rust problems with either one.

 

[TeamPrecisionIT]

So is this an idea for a wax on/wax off approach is it to spray and leave it on?

Damian

 

[DBR]

Eezox will last longer and prevent corrosion much better than wax. If you follow the directions it will feel dry and stuff doesn't stick to it.
http://www.eezox.com/

 

[flyby]

+1 on Eezox ..my fav ..lasts long and adheres very well after its dries(cleans and renews itself when reapplied..and with no waxy build-up
(scroll page) http://www.6mmbr.com/corrosiontest.html

A little goes a Long way..http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=413498
this should enough for a lifetime.. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=136077&t=11082005

I've also used Johnson's paste wax in the past, works well ..many museums, collectors etc.. also use this.

The Pledge furniture polish is a new one on me ..i'll have to try