Derusting with Boric Acid Bath

[Rokon]

Both Angier in his book "Firearm Blueing and Browning" and Kit Ravenshear in his "Metalwork Part 1" recommend using a boric acid bath as the safest form of rust removal which both removes rust and protects the underlying metal.

Anyone on this Forum used it?

 

[Phil Coffins]

Not I but I have the book and will look it up later.

 

[Zonie]

I haven't used Boric acid but it sounds interesting. I know I have a container of the dry acid powder around here some place.

I know that most of our members don't have Angier's book, "Firearm Blueing and Browning"© December, 1936, but I do so I'll quote what he says about Boric acid on page 139:

"4. Boric acid. This is a specially excellent, mild matting and through derusting agent. According to the author's experience, a 6 to 10% solution is very suitable for derusting on account of the small solubility of the acid, gentle warming of the bath (30° to 50°C. = 85-120°F.) is recommended at which temperatures of the concentration given are nearly those of saturation. As a matting agent, boric acid is specially recommendable for light matting, leaving a very fine, delicate dull surface on finer parts.
It's action is slower than that of most derustants (boric is a weak acid at ordinary temperature) but it thoroughly clears away the thickest rust and only affects the cleaned surfaces to a minimum extent" in addition to this, the derusted parts are less inclined to after-rust than with most other derustants."

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Boric acid solution is an old home remedy for some physical problems. I which I could remember what sort of problems! Eye wash maybe or a foot bath?

 

[loud-n-boomer]

I have used it and it works. Some other rust killers are faster, but I have found that there is less incidental etching of the metal with Boric acid.

 

[Sam squanch]

Is boric acid safe to use?

 

[user 34300]

Funny how many ways there are to reinvent the wheel. We could put the rust remover threads with patch lubes any Pyrodex.

I do not know anything about boric acid for rust. The quote from the book mentioned that it etches the steel. That is the last thing you want.

Guys, do yourself a huge favor, get a gallon of Evaporust for $10. Soak the parts in a tub or baggie, ir usually takes 24 hours for heavy rust. After use pour it back in the jug. I learned about in when I was in the forensic field. It was imperative that intact steel be preserved for examination. Evaporust does that. IT does not etch good steel, I can verify that from microscopic examinations.

Any acid will remove rust. Most will etch the steel. Naval jelly (Phosphoric acid) is a good example. It was been used to ruin countless guns.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Evapo-Ru...2=38692066_0&wl14=evaporust&veh=sem&gclsrc=ds