View Full Version : Citric acid for cleaning a Lyman #55
Walter Laich
07-20-2012, 03:33 PM
Got a used #55 of an auction site.
Was wondering if I could use citric acid to clean the brass parts of the powder measure?
thanks
walt
Irish71
07-20-2012, 04:11 PM
I just used Isopropyl alcohol to clean up all the parts and then used a dry lube to get it moving smoothly, worked like a charm. Brass parts are far from shiny though
FWIW, mine's from the 1960's
mold maker
07-20-2012, 04:33 PM
The citric acid wont hurt anything brass. It will be clean and not tarnish for a long time. Just don't tumble polish them. That would round off the sharp edges leaving a bad fit.
Walter Laich
07-20-2012, 05:28 PM
Thanks--getting ready to tear it apart and wanted to have my ducks in order before I get into it
w
geargnasher
07-20-2012, 05:41 PM
It's not cartridge brass, you could use stronger cleaner if necessary, but the citric acid solution will passivate the brass and leave it satin yellow that will last a long time without tarnishing.
Gear
Kevin Rohrer
07-21-2012, 03:08 AM
I use citric acid to clean rust off steel. It takes 2-days of soaking, but works well.
GOPHER SLAYER
07-21-2012, 08:07 PM
Kevin Rohrer, if you want to remove rust from steel, use muriatic acid. A gallon is less than four dollars and it will do the job in 3 to 5 minutes. The acid they make now does not hurt to breath like the acid made previously. Do not leave the steel in the acid too long or it will turn black. I have been using this method for decades. It will turn brass almost white in a hurry.
MtGun44
07-23-2012, 02:43 AM
Citric acid is FAR less dangerous to you and to the parts than muriatic acid.
Bill
r1kk1
07-23-2012, 09:48 AM
I've seen muratic acid used to clean toilets.
Take care
r1kk1
frnkeore
07-23-2012, 01:42 PM
Be forwarned, I used Muratic acid to clean a Lyman mold once. It took the rust off but, it also took the corners off the mold cavity (rounded them) so, beware of it's ability to take the edges at a higher rate than the rest of the metal.
Frank
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