What bits for a Dremel to polish slightly corroded stainless steel

tudorsailor

tudorsailor

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I have stainless steel supports for windows in the saloon. I had not cleaned them before thinking that they were aluminium and not polishable. On the last trip I cleaned them using some Marine Shine and a lot of the surface crud came off. Now I realise they are steel. I would like to clean them further - especially the base where the strut attaches to the frame. I have a two speed dremel and wonder what bits I need to get into the nooks and crannies

Thanks

TudorSailor

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[URL=http://s246.photobucket.com/user/tudordoc/media/IMG_5105-001.jpg.html][/URL]
 
Leave the Dremel in the box and use wet or dry paper ... wet .... first 800 grit then 1200, and then metal polish.

If you can only reach the area with a Dremel, use the grinding paste on the cotton pad .... and use eye protection; or just put the grinding paste on a smooth cord and rap it around the rod .....
 
tudorsailor said:
I have stainless steel supports for windows in the saloon.
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Images fixed. See this thread: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthrea...-Photobucket-as-an-alternative-to-attachments

Have you tried Oxalic Acid?
 
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If you abrade stainless you will need to pickle it again otherwise it will rust. It will form a new rustproof layer on its own if kept dry for a while otherwise you will need the stuff stainless fabricators use.
 
days
tudorsailor said:
I have stainless steel supports for windows in the saloon. I had not cleaned them before thinking that they were aluminium and not polishable. On the last trip I cleaned them using some Marine Shine and a lot of the surface crud came off. Now I realise they are steel. I would like to clean them further - especially the base where the strut attaches to the frame. I have a two speed dremel and wonder what bits I need to get into the nooks and crannies

Thanks

TudorSailor

[URL=http://s246.photobucket.com/user/tudordoc/media/IMG_5106-001.jpg.html][/URL]

[URL=http://s246.photobucket.com/user/tudordoc/media/IMG_5105-001.jpg.html][/URL]
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My swmbo uses 3m hull restorer cleaner and polisher with a tooth brush for stuff like this.
S
 
I would say that is chromed brass too .... so use Brasso and NOT an abrasive.

PS ...... no problem polishing SS as I previously stated. You can use polishes like Wichinox to passivate the SS. I have polished plain drawn bar like this with no problems.
 
KellysEye said:
It doesn't say what the chemical is but it could be Muriatic acid. I've used it to de rust stainless using a brush. But be careful it will burn your skin so wear gloves and cover ant other part of your body you think might get the acid in.
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The main web site for Spotless Stainless does not say, but this page does give some information. http://www.spotlessstainless.com/howitworks.html

There is a very interesting long thread on an American forum on Spotless Stainless. The general concensus is it works pretty well. The main thing is to make sure it remains damp whilst actively working on stainless steel, also it works better on warmer days. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/spotless-stainless-steel-reviews-40418.html

I think I will definitely be trying Spotless Stainless in the future.
 
I have used Spotless Stainless on most of the deck fittings. It is brilliant. SWMBO was never one for polishing the stainless but now hunts down anything with a hint of brown discolouration
I have given samples to neighbours in the marina and they all come back enthusing about SS

TudorSailor
 
I agree what you seem to have there is something nasty, chromed...

Stainless Steel does not rust !

Unless Marine grade 316 it may acquire brown rust-like oxidisation cosmetic surface stains but that's it, no erosion into the material.

Use light cleaner like Cif if this is the case, and beware, if in a tight fit plumbing application there must not be the slightest surface abrasion.
 
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I got alot of help and advice from thepolishingshop.co.uk. when I left a soiled cloth on some s/s for weeks, by accident.
Came up a treat.
 
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