Newbie - Reconditioning Methods for Old Equipment

[jwl3715]

Hi all - finally getting off my duff and resurrecting some of my dad's old equipment to try and get started on my reloading journey. I've mounted the RCBS Jr. and Uniflow powder measure. These weren't stored terribly but poorly enough that rust has crept in.

For the press - anyone have suggestions on removal of surface rust on the handle and lubrication/prevention techniques. I also have several shell holders that rusted pretty bad. Would Naval jelly work on these? Otherwise, press is in pretty good shape.

For the powder measure - I'm inclined to call RCBS and see if they'll take a look at it. Dad left powder a little too long in the hopper and it messed up the plastic hopper pretty bad but I understand you can't remove the hopper from the main casting? Other than that, there appears to be surface rust on the drop tubes, measuring screw and measuring cylinder. Not sure if this would effect accuracy but wouldn't want to chance it. Also don't want to use harsh chemicals that might react badly with powder in the future.

Any suggestions?

 

[rfwobbly]

I might just knock off the high spots with some 400 grit, lube and re-assemble. The press I would lube with a couple of drops of synthetic motor oil at key places. The Uniflow is lubricated by the carbon on the powder itself, but you can get it going with powdered graphite from a lock & key seller.

RCBS might even send you new parts if you asked. They're pretty good about stuff like that.

Hope this helps!

 

[ReloaderFred]

If you can find some stainless steel wool, it will remove any surface rust without damaging the finish. Small parts can be put in a case tumbler with ground corn cob and cleaned up.

RCBS also has one of the best warranties in the business. If you call, they will tell you what they can do for you.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[loadedround]

JW: I have two older RCBS powder measures and the plastic hoppers on both of mine are just pressure fitted to measure's metal casting. I had to replace a hopper about 5 years ago because of discoloration and cracking and had no problem installing the new oner. I can't remember if it was replaced n/c or not, but I did get it from RCBS.

 

[rcmodel]

Any suggestions?

The best method I know of is a fine wire wheel on a bench grinder or buffer motor.

I use that a lot in removing surface rust when restoring old Winchesters.

The fine wheel will remove all the rust without harming the underlying metal in the least.

rc

 

[ranger335v]

What RC says for removing rust from big parts. A Dremel tool with small wire brushes will safely clean small parts.

Give the cleaned parts a spritz of any spray lube and wipe off any excess.

 

[Seedtick]

A little off topic but not much...

ranger335v said - A Dremel tool with small wire brushes will safely clean small parts.

I don't know how I ever got by before I got a Dremel. I use it for everything.

By the way, I have found the ultimate website for Dremel stuff. I don't remember how I found it now, it may have even been mentioned here. If so, thank you to who ever hooked me up.

Widget Supply is the place. I've already ordered over $100 worth of stuff and I'm getting ready to place another order.

ST

 

[Sheldon]

They'll likely replace the hopper for free...at least they did for me in the past. Sounds like your hopper was like mine. It reacted to the powder and actually looked like it fused to the plastic. It is just pressed to the casting and it pretty easy to replace. Depending on the level of pitting on the powder measure drums, you may get kernals of powder wedging into the pits and that may cause the drum to lock up.....depends on how badly pitted it is. I have taken a wire wheel to just about any part that doesn't need to be super smooth.

 

[steve01]

I read about this stuff on another forum it's called evapo-rust it is the stuff have . I have used it on rusty moulds and Dies. You just soak it and a light brushing and it looks like new. I haven't used it on deep rust but for light rust this stuff works. just wash of with water spray with Ballistol and your ready to use. You can get it at Harbor Freight comes in Quarts or Gallons can be used over and over till it turns black. good luck sjk

 

[FROGO207]

I have purchased several lots of old reloading stuff. Cleaned it up and resold what I didn't want. When cleaning rust up all methods mentioned will work well but I use the axiom that less is more. Start with the least aggressive and work to the most. This will preserve the original machining of the unit. My method takes more time than an aggressive approach but the results will stop one from destroying something beyond repair often. The key is to get something that is abrasive to the corrosion and not to the original part.

 

[GP100man]

for small parts clean up i put a hand full of sand in a plastic bottle (20 oz drink bottle) enuff water to make a slurry & shake the dickens out of it .

pour out & rinse ,then dry shiney parts & oil em !

 

[ranger335v]

Suggest avoiding chemical (acid) "de-rusters" with blued parts, that usually removes the blue oxide even faster than it does the red oxide! And it eats aluminmum parts.

 

[mallc]

Evapo-Rust from Harbor Freight

See before and after photos on my $1 dies. Polished the inside with steel wool after the chemical soak.

I got the Evapo-Rust recommendation for one of THR regulars a year or so ago. Stuff works great.

I follow with Hornady One-Shot for rust protection.

Hope this helps,
Scott

 

[Beelzy]

Gun oil and 0000 steel wool.

A little "patina" is quite normal on old presses like that, so don't get carried away.

 

[jwl3715]

Guys - these are all great suggestions. Thanks a ton.