[GreenKeys] Sweet teletypes

[Richard Knoppow]

    As far as I can tell from the limited information in MSDS 
rust removers contain some sort of sequestering agent and 
detergent. Also possibly a reducing agent.
    Common agents are citric acid (lemon juice will do), acetic 
acid as in vinegar and materials like oxalic and phosphoric 
acids. These are found in cleaners like Zud, Barkeeper's Friend, 
Naval Jelly. Some contain EDTA, which is an effective 
sequestering agent.
    I have not found Naval Jelly to be any more likely to cause 
damage than products like Barkeeper's Friend but you must not 
leave it on for too long. Better to rinse it off after a few 
minutes to see what its doing, you can always put on more. Zud 
and Barkeeper's Friend have a mild abrasive in them but you don't 
have to scrub with them, just make a paste and leave it on for a 
couple of minutes and then rinse off and see what progress has 
been made.  The MSDS for Evapo-Rust does not say what is in it, 
describing the ingredients as non-toxic.  I've never used the 
stuff but its reputed to be very effective.
     I don't know what is in Molassas that would remove rust but 
its possible its the sugar. A paste of sugar might be worth trying.
     Rust removers for iron, steel and copper are generally not 
good for aluminum and can damage it. There are other materials 
that work for aluminum.
     The white powdery residue seen on some parts is often zinc 
oxide. Not harmful. More will form if its removed and it protects 
the surface against future oxidation.  A similar material can 
form on cadmium plated surfaces. Again it will protect from 
further corrosion. I don't know why some cadmium plated surface 
form this powder and others do not. A million  years ago the 
Western Union main repair facility in New York cadmium plated 
virtually everything that went through the shop. Very commonly 
found WU telegraph keys. Looks ugly but does not seem to do any 
damage.

On 7/5/2018 10:57 AM, Ethan Blanton wrote:
> Nick England wrote:
>> Has anyone tried this rust removal technique on TTY gear?
> 
> I have not, but Lyle Peterson did a video on this (and several other
> methods, See Part 1 and Part 2 of this video) on YouTube:
> 
> https://youtu.be/NNxyFAsxWW0
> 
> I have used plain distilled white vinegar on Teletype parts to good
> effect.  It will remove surface staining quickly, but does nothing
> (obviously) for pitting and damaged plating.  It is not fast.
> 
> Ethan

-- 
Richard Knoppow
1oldlens1 at ix.netcom.com
WB6KBL