Cleaning a spool that has a lot of rust and discoloration

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fishhead
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Cleaning a spool that has a lot of rust and discoloration

Post by fishhead »

What is the best way to make a spool that has a lot of rust and discoloration of the chrome look good again. I am currently soaking it in 50/50 water and white vinegar. Then what? Brillo pad, 1000 grit wet sand paper or 1500 grit wet sand paper?
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Brian F.
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Re: Cleaning a spool that has a lot of rust and discoloration

Post by Brian F. »

If it's already got a lot of rust and discoloration, especially if green, there's probably already some pitting. If it's really a chrome or nickel plated surface, that finish is coming off after you soak it, no matter what. If its a solid german silver spool, you can still polish it up but pitting will still be visible. Several of us use 0000 steel wool and Simichrome.
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Nick in NY
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Re: Cleaning a spool that has a lot of rust and discoloration

Post by Nick in NY »

Hey Guys I've found the best way to handle corrosion on nickel or aluminum is spinning the spool with an aggressive grip paper then fine going ip after the damage is removed. It's all relevant to the spool. Obviously if it's smaller and finer you may want to start with finer paper. Keep in mind there's always a risk to do more harm than good but like Brian said plating will be removed in the process. Tight Lines Nick in NY Holzman reels collector
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colby sorrells
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Re: Cleaning a spool that has a lot of rust and discoloration

Post by colby sorrells »

Evapo-Rust will remove all rust without doing any harm at all. It will not harm plastic or anything else except rust. It works great on rust. Just have to remember to treat the metal with some kind of oil after use or it will just rust again with time. Available at most Auto Parts stores.

Colby
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