seized pistons spinnaker pole

[Stumble]

Using vinegar to clean almost anything exposed to salt water works very well. Particularly when the problem area is small hard to get too parts like springs, or internal components. I would assume any acid would work, but the advantage of vinegar is that it is relatively cheap, easy to find, and mild enough that it won't etch metal or attack components.

Just ask any avid SCUBA diver about rincing equipment with the stuff.

[Auspicious]

Distilled white vinegar is my initial cleaning solution of choice. It works pretty well, especially if you have time to soak things. 1 and 2 gallon jugs of the stuff are available at most warehouse stores.

Not a rigging application, but if shower heads start to clog up from mineral deposits an overnight soak will return them to like-new condition.

I soaked rags in vinegar and wrapped them around salt-caked turnbuckles for several hours. A fresh water flush cleaned everything off, allowing them to be backed off, further cleaned, lubed, and reassembled.

Are there issues with acid and stainless?

[Brian Duff]

Okay Okay, I put Vinegar on our order list !

[Stumble]

A bit of a thread hijack, but while some high streingth acids can etch or destroy stainless, most SS cleaners are a dilute form of acid. In my experience, I have never seen vinager have any effect other than help remove corrosion and salt residue, but a chemist would have to be the one to discuss wether is has any corrosive effect.

So I think the trick is to just make sure the muratic stuff stays away and you will be fine.

[knothead]

Does anyone else use Ospho for soaking rusty stainless?

Sorry if that's a hijack.

[RoyB]

Originally Posted by knothead

Does anyone else use Ospho for soaking rusty stainless?

Sorry if that's a hijack.

What is Ospho? Many substances have different names here in Australia. For example, beer is referred to as 'Piss" :-). Seriously!

[knothead]

Originally Posted by RoyB

What is Ospho? Many substances have different names here in Australia. For example, beer is referred to as 'Piss" :-). Seriously!

I hope no one thinks I am trying to promote the stuff. I just wondered if others have used it for soaking rust stained stainless.
The below is from their website.


When applied to rusted surfaces, it resists/retards rust in chemical change on drying to a tough, hard surface ready for priming. A paint job will last longer after an application of OSPHO because subsequent paint coating securely attaches itself so that moisture and oxygen normally do not attack the metal. OSPHO is water-thin, can cover a larger area than paint, and goes on easily. It is equally effective for exterior and interior work alike. SKYCO OSPHO: a balanced formula of Phosphoric, Dichromate, Wetting Agents and Extenders . . . compounded exclusively by the Skybryte Company since 1947 ... recommended by paint manufacturers.

[Neptunes Violin]

I said I would let you know if it worked.

...

It worked!

Soaked the end of the pole for a day or two. It was really seized up. Had to use a hammer to move the pin back and forth and then suddenly the pin was free and working smoothly.

Now for the other end ....

cheers