Proper way to treat stainless steel?
- Thread starter TyK
- Start date
Stainless steel is susceptible to staining or corrosion in low oxygen conditions and is sensitive to chlorine. Any foam that out gases a chlorine compound will not be good especially in the presence of a liquid or gas that displaces oxygen. Just FYI, cat urine is one of the ultimate stain/rust makers that I've ever encountered.
J
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Some pictures would be great.
Remember that if its a stainless alloy, it needs to be in air/oxygen contact to stay oxidized and do what its meant to do. (but oil is of course a must for any moving part) oil shouldn't be something you have to apply to any stainless with the idea that it'll keep it from rusting, it can have the opposite effect on the less corrosion resistant grades. Some grades can live entirely in oil or fairly oxygen deprived environments and at elevated temps for years but we don't use basic 416 for that.
We put every kind of stainless through applications and environments way worse than any gun is ever gonna see, the only times we have seen rust(surface rust) in the real world is from contamination from contact with steel, more commonly bolts, wrong bearings, or tools. So I'm always a bit puzzled at all the people with "stainless" guns rusting, including 416 barrels. Even though 416 is one of the least corrosion resistant, if you're not dipping it in the ocean and putting it away wet every day, it shouldn't have such issues or even be something on your mind.
Worth keeping in mind that some of what passes as " stainless " when it comes to guns is only a finish/plating that can get chipped, not all of them are a cast/forged stainless alloy.
Remember that if its a stainless alloy, it needs to be in air/oxygen contact to stay oxidized and do what its meant to do. (but oil is of course a must for any moving part) oil shouldn't be something you have to apply to any stainless with the idea that it'll keep it from rusting, it can have the opposite effect on the less corrosion resistant grades. Some grades can live entirely in oil or fairly oxygen deprived environments and at elevated temps for years but we don't use basic 416 for that.
We put every kind of stainless through applications and environments way worse than any gun is ever gonna see, the only times we have seen rust(surface rust) in the real world is from contamination from contact with steel, more commonly bolts, wrong bearings, or tools. So I'm always a bit puzzled at all the people with "stainless" guns rusting, including 416 barrels. Even though 416 is one of the least corrosion resistant, if you're not dipping it in the ocean and putting it away wet every day, it shouldn't have such issues or even be something on your mind.
Worth keeping in mind that some of what passes as " stainless " when it comes to guns is only a finish/plating that can get chipped, not all of them are a cast/forged stainless alloy.
Interesting. Your last sentence puzzled me a bit, then I thought of a Remington 870 marine...is this what you had in mind as far as a plated gun? Any handgun that is advertised as stainless, is in fact cast/forged stainless as far as I know.
Please correct me if i'm wrong.
Most stainless in not magnetic, most stainless barrels and some knives are.
Does that not suggest more ferrous content and therefore prone to "shall we call it rust".
Any clarification would be appreciated.
Most stainless in not magnetic, most stainless barrels and some knives are.
Does that not suggest more ferrous content and therefore prone to "shall we call it rust".
Any clarification would be appreciated.
- Location
- Southern Ontario
Stainless steel is not "rustproof"; it is simply more resistant to oxidation (ergo rusting) but must be maintained with the same diligence as blued and other coated parts. I treat my stainless steel as if it is otherwise than stainless. I keep it clean, properly lubricated and use a product as simple as Break Free CLP on it to protect it. Thus far I have not had a problem while treating it in this manner. Keep in mind, as well, that if 'it says stainless' it does not necessarily mean that the part/product has been forged or milled from stainless steel nor high quality stainless steel. It may simply be a thin coating and susceptible to abrasion, etc. I learned this a long, long time ago in shop class as I recall, where we took several types of metals and exposed them to the elements for a time. I believe we also scratched them and then sprinkled some salt on them a few times. Quite interesting to see what oxidized and decayed. Just remember that stainless steel is not impervious to oxidation, albeit at a slower rate, than other metals and you are good to go. Clean it. Lube it. Protect it. And it will last a lifetime. Oh. And try not to keep stainless steel in padded cloth guncases as they are moisture and contaminant collectors. On the off chance that I do have to keep a rifle, say, in a padded cloth case for a lengthy period of time, I will spray the inside of the case with gunoil or CLP or something and make sure that even the fingerprints on the metal are wiped clean with an oily rag. Stainless Steel is a misnomer.
