Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: Whit on March 07, 2023, 12:58:15 PM

Title: Electrolysis to clean reels?
Post by: Whit on March 07, 2023, 12:58:15 PM
Wondering if electrolysis is a viable way to get rid of corrosion and other saltwater detrius on old reels.

Tried the search feature here to get an answer as well as on-line but maybe my google fu is not so good.

Thoughts? Experiences?

Thanks in advance!

Whit
Title: Re: Electrolysis to clean reels?
Post by: jurelometer on March 07, 2023, 02:29:17 PM
Seems a bit aggressive.  Risky for plated parts, will remove paints, and less noble metals (aluminum, zinc, "pot metals") can get damaged.
It seems best suited for removing rust from steel/iron. I have considered trying it to rescue old rusted steel tools, but never got around to it.

Here is a link that I was looking at: http://antique-engine.ns.ca/electrolysis.html (http://antique-engine.ns.ca/electrolysis.html)

If you give it a try, let us know how it turns out.

-J
Title: Re: Electrolysis to clean reels?
Post by: Rancanfish on March 07, 2023, 02:51:22 PM
I think, with no knowledge, that you would risk pitting anything plated. But yes do it. We all need to know now. :)
Title: Re: Electrolysis to clean reels?
Post by: Whit on March 09, 2023, 01:29:48 PM
Quote from: jurelometer on March 07, 2023, 02:29:17 PMSeems a bit aggressive.  Risky for plated parts, will remove paints, and less noble metals (aluminum, zinc, "pot metals") can get damaged.
It seems best suited for removing rust from steel/iron. I have considered trying it to rescue old rusted steel tools, but never got around to it.

Here is a link that I was looking at: http://antique-engine.ns.ca/electrolysis.html (http://antique-engine.ns.ca/electrolysis.html)


That link look super informative, thanks.  I'm going to pursue this.  As to destroying old parts, the ones I have in mind are pretty much toast, so nothing ventured, nothing gained. 
If you give it a try, let us know how it turns out.

-J