Refurbish RCBS Rockchucker

[dunnigan]

I was given an old RCBS single stage that is really rusted. The pull handle arm, ram cylinder and pins are all very rusty. Wasn't outside just been sitting in a shop for about 10 years. Any tips on how to clean up and get back into action. The ram is so rusted I can't get it to move. Thanks

[ireload]

Lot's of WD40. Spray on rusted parts and let set for a bit. Let's say several hours. The bearing surface of the ram once you have it taken apart, you can use 0000 steel wool wetted with WD40 to remove most of the rust. Hopefully the rust has not pitted any critical/bearing/contact surface.

[Dutch3]

Lime-A-Way or C-L-R doused on for a few minutes should eat the rust but not harm the base metal.

Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward. I have used this method to free stuck engines (rings rusted to the bores).

[sargenv]

You may want to return it to RCBS since they have one of those "we'll fix it free" warrantees.. How do I know this? I screwed up the lips on the ram to my late 1980's RCII and they sent me a new ram gratis..

[thomashoward]

You may want to return it to RCBS since they have one of those "we'll fix it free" warrantees.. How do I know this? I screwed up the lips on the ram to my late 1980's RCII and they sent me a new ram gratis..

This^^

[Munk]

CLR the crap out of it, use some brass bristled brushes to get the worst of it out. Clean the rust off thoroughly. Lube liberally with a silicon lube or whatever you like that can penetrate into pits and other parts of the metal. Work it a few times to ensure the oil gets in.

Let it sit for a day or so, then lube it again. (or use it during that day, whatever, just be sure to lube it some more.)

After doing this a couple of times, mine hasn't rusted again, it just got the dark iron patina and it's kept itself like that, even when I go months without using or touching the press. My press is also estimated to be over 40 years old and is working like a champ.

[California-Quigley]

WD40 is kinda of a rough one to use... its designed to displace water... if there is rust, than water has worked its way into the metal.. you are going to cause more oxidation by pullin water to surface....

I'd try Kroil Oil... Kroil is a great penetrating lubricant.. I have seen it free 150yr old shotgun actions and revolver cylinders....

Add kroil... let it be... see if it helps... do you have pics to post...

[kylemurdoc]

Pick up a pack of polishing compounds from harbor freight to use on the ram, pins and handle then go at it with a drimill. You can have the main body powder coated or paint it your self, I recommend blueing everything else especially the handle.This is how my JR came out.

[skibuff]

RCBS is in Orville in Northern Ca. if you are anywhere close I'd take it in I'm sure they would help you get it running. Otherwise carefully clean the rust off RCBS's website has parts diagrams and they are fairly simple to disassemble. I use STP motor oil to lube all the friction parts on my Rockchucker and JRII presses.

[biogenic]

WD40 is kinda of a rough one to use... its designed to displace water... if there is rust, than water has worked its way into the metal.. you are going to cause more oxidation by pullin water to surface....

I'd try Kroil Oil... Kroil is a great penetrating lubricant.. I have seen it free 150yr old shotgun actions and revolver cylinders....

Add kroil... let it be... see if it helps... do you have pics to post...

+1 on the Kroil. I am hooked on it. Learned about it a couple of years back and would not use anything else.

[stilly]

Kroil RULES! Mix a lil of that and some hoppes 9 and hey now!

Contact RCBS about it and see what they say. They are a true no fuss made in usa business. I think just about all of the reloading companies are.

[dunnigan]

Thanks Guys. Ill post some pics tomorrow