Does the Mosin crate contain asbestos? (or any other bad chemicals)

StrelokRussia

StrelokRussia

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I got a Mosin crate a few months ago, in good shape but needs some work. I use it as a coffee table/storage. I finally got a few free days and decided to do some work on it.

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While taking off the hinges this stuff started coming off from the corners.

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What is it? Maybe just paint or filler? It's covered in green paint. Do they test crates for harmful chemicals before import? Not taking any risks.

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I don't know what they used to make the crates back in Russia 100 years ago. But if you do or know what this stuff is please share here. Thanks!
 
Yep, you're going to die immediately. They are highly radioactive... Just kidding.

People and asbestos these days make me shake my head. That is NOT asbestos...

Whatever it is - Don't put it in your mouth, and you will be ok.
 
StrelokRussia said:
Thanks very helpful.
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Haha, ok fine. I'll bite.

It's not asbestos, and even if it were, it won't hurt you simply by sitting there.

The Russians used all sorts of sketchy materials to preserve and seal crate edges. It's likely a glue, and is just dry. Or like a type of Russian sealant or cement.

It's on all the crates I have seen too.

You will be fine. ;) Nice mask by the way
 
pcvando said:
Haha, ok fine. I'll bite.

It's not asbestos, and even if it were, it won't hurt you simply by sitting there.

The Russians used all sorts of sketchy materials to preserve and seal crate edges. It's likely a glue, and is just dry. Or like a type of Russian sealant or cement.

It's on all the crates I have seen too.

You will be fine. ;) Nice mask by the way
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Thank you that's good info. I'll be replacing the lid anyway with something nicer. The mask was just for fun lol I only wear it on Halloween.
 
StrelokRussia said:
Thank you that's good info. I'll be replacing the lid anyway with something nicer. The mask was just for fun lol I only wear it on Halloween.
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Keep us updated about that crate, I want to see how it turns out :)

I assume that mask was one of those Lee Valley Tools "featured items" and a must have product as seen in their catalogue? That's just a guess, that's how I got mine lol
 
winchester1852 said:
No reason why they would want to insulate a arms storage to much hassle. Nice $60 mask tho
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pcvando said:
Keep us updated about that crate, I want to see how it turns out :)

I assume that mask was one of those Lee Valley Tools "featured items" and a must have product as seen in their catalogue? That's just a guess, that's how I got mine lol
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Will take pics and upload when it's done. Haha no not Lee Valley. I got a real one. SGE 400/3 BB http://www.mestelsafety.com/protection-equipment/products/gas-masks/

sigrunes said:
That material is crushed Nazi's bones mixed with the tears of the weak , no worries about asbestos.
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Oh that's lovely haha.
 
The paint probably has lead in it, so I would not sand it indoors. I've seen a few of those crates turned into really cool coffee tables by guys putting Lexan or Plexiglass tops on them, and devising a way to lock the lid so actual eosins can be displayed within (legally).

Back when 91/30's were cheap and plentiful (8 or 10 years back), I had nearly a crate full. Nowadays I don't even own a single 91/30. Things change.
 
Not really a question of is it asbestos, but does it contain asbestos. I agree with someone above who said there is no reason they would want to insulate it (or use a fire-retardant material since the crate is made of wood anyway) BUT bear in mind some cements and other products did CONTAIN asbestos in those days. Given that it came from Soviet Russia, where I would assume they probably had a one-material-do-all attitude I wouldn't simply rule out the possibility. But as someone else hinted at, it's only dangerous if you disturb it by breaking it up, cutting it or whatever and release the fibers into the air. And personally, with a small amount like that I wouldn't be too concerned, maybe just try to take it off without breaking it up or do it outside. There's more asbestos in the atmosphere already than most people realize; we have all been exposed to minute amounts anyway. And when asbestos is contained in cement, drywall and similar materials it is considered the lowest level of risk I believe. Yes, I have been involved in asbestos abatements (and also worked in places where abatements probably should have been done...) but just my opinion anyway. Do your own research or speak to an expert if you are concerned, obviously.
 
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Americans used to spray the wooden ammunition crates with a PCP solution to stop rodents from destroying the crates . Worked great but a required work/handling procedure was to wear gloves when handling the 106 crates at the time.
 
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