Rust Conversion: Un-doing my boneheaded move

[huntingsocal]

Although completely embarrassing that I let this happen, I'm hoping people can learn from my mistakes.

Firstly,

Don't let damp rid anywhere near your firearms.


While it does absorb moisture, the calcium chloride crystals dissolve into a toxic brew of HIGHLY corrosive liquid which, if spilled or leaked, will soak into carpet, fabric, etc and 'hide' for weeks or months even if you think you got it cleaned up.

Second, a BIG thank you to Hermosabeach for posting a video on rust conversion literally a day after I discovered the mess I created.

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1511448&highlight=rust

Here is what I started with:







First step I cleaned it up with hot water, a little Simple Green and a plastic brush

[huntingsocal]

Next, boiled muzzle end in distilled water for about an hour


Once done boiling I made sure everything was dry and had to call it a night so I left it out til next morning.







Final step, took some 0000 steel wool to the entire area that was boiled and then some CLP to wipe it down.

The gray discoloration in the previous pics went away I ended up with this







I'm not 100% sure because I didn't pay much attention before this happened, but I think there were some spots that already had bluing loss which is where the damprid really took hold and rusted the most.

In the video he talks about maybe needing to do a "couple passes" to get all the rust converted. I think I'll just leave this one be and see how it looks in a few weeks. I've got another one that is in a little worse shape than this one I think might need a couple passes but we'll see.

Anyway, for an extreme case of rust, might be worth checking into conversion before you break out all the chemicals and brushes.

I'm not happy this happened but I'm happy I was able to get the rust off without extensive damage and/or pitting.

[Garv]

For anyone that likes to use Damp Rid or the Dollar Store equivalents, use secondary containment.

I use them for my ammo locker placed in an old but still study ceramic bowl.

The plastic containers from the Dollar Store desiccants crack easily.

In my safe, I use silica gel with color indicator beads and a goldenrod.

[huntingsocal]

^ Roger that.

The secondary containment was my problem.

Had a washing machine leak and in my haste to get the standing water taken care of with a shop vac, I put the damp rid in a secondary container that had two small holes in the bottom. Then it leaked on to some carpet and then the rifle was set down on the carpet, weeks later, in a silicone gun sock. It was all a big mess.

Taken care of now but still cringe worthy when looking at it.

[Yodaman]

Uggg. Glad you got the rust off. Thx for the post.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Grendl]

The stuff of nightmares. Literally.

[freedom_fighter]

OP, thanks for sharing.

I am using Damp Rid, will make sure I have secondary containment just in case!

[huntingsocal]

OP, thanks for sharing.

I am using Damp Rid, will make sure I have secondary containment just in case!

My best advice would be, use something else.

My second best advice would be, if you spill even a little of the liquid anywhere, be sure to clean the area with hot soapy water and plan on keeping a regular eye on anything that might have come in contact with it for a few weeks to make sure no rust develops

[Garv]

In our closet, we use the coat hanger style of Damp Rid.

The desiccant sits in a bag above a capture bag where the liquid is then trapped.

This will not spill if turned upside down at least for a brief period of time so might help in some cases.

damp.jpg

[freedom_fighter]

Thanks guys.

I have the Damp Rid in a basement room where there would not be any direct contact with firearms but this is very good info for future use.

Props again to OP for sharing, I'm sure this will help some other calgunners as well

[huntingsocal]

Turns out we've been warned before

https://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=962274

[XDJYo]

Damprid is some seriously crazy dangerous stuff. Be careful with it.
Damprid Safety Data Sheet.

https://damprid.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DR_Moisture_Absorber_SDS-FG01K.pdf

ACUTE INHALATION, SKIN CONTACT, EYE CONTACT: May cause irritation.
INGESTION: Harmful if swallowed.
CHRONIC EFFECTS: Chronic exposures to calcium chloride that cause irritation may
cause a chronic dermatitis or mucosal membrane problem.
For the minor component(s): POTASSIUM CHLORIDE: In animals, effects have been
reported on the following organs after ingestion: Gastrointestinal tract, heart, and kidney.
Dose levels producing these effects were many times higher than any dose levels
expected from exposure due to use. SODIUM CHLORIDE: Medical experience with
sodium chloride has shown a strong association between elevated blood pressure and
prolonged dietary overuse. Related effects could occur in the kidneys.
Target Organs: Stomach, Upper Respiratory Tract
Primary Routes of Entry: Ingestion, Inhalation

[robertmneal93]

We all do dumb crap from time to time

A few months ago, I brought a bunch of rifles to have a visiting guest try out in Stanislaus while we were poking around. It was raining lightly. A few drips got in my rifles and I didn't think it would be an issue.

Took them out of the case next day and boy was I kicking my own rear

Luckily, it wasn't bad at all, and just required some oil and a light wipe down

[Michael K]

Ha ha. I have a new Polish m/44 with a spot of rust on the perfect blue of the receiver. I used a typewriter eraser to get most of it off, but you can still see it. The closet is one of the cat's favorite hiding places and she must have rubbed her behind against it.

[huntingsocal]

^ should be able to take care of that with a little Kroil and then rub it lightly with a nickel, clean rag after that