Originally Posted by
waksupi
Better method I came across I've used for the last few guns I've blued. Get a section of 4" pvc, long enough to put the metal in. Get a plumbing flange to fit the pvc. This will be your most expensive part, around $25. Find a pot that this will set on top of, cast iron preferred.
Then get a piece of metal, or even wood, and drill a hole, or holes in it, to put in a wire hook to hold a barrel. Set the pot on a hotplate and bring water to a boil. Drop your small parts directly in the water to boil. Set the pvc and flange over the pot. Let boil for 25 minutes minimum. The steam in the tube does a fine job. The steam part actually takes only 20 minutes, but the boiling parts will need 25 minutes, as the water is not as hot as the steam.
Let cool, wash off any loose residue, then steel wool or wire brush. Repeat as necessary.