The discussion about ferric chloride reminded me of this tidbit of
information that I've always found useful...

Along the lines of protecting your steel tools, both hand
and machine tools, here's a substance you can make yourself
that will help keep the value, operability, and appearance of your tools in
top shape.

It's called "Ed's Red Bore Cleaner".  Check out the full article:
http://www.steveellis.com/eds-red.pdf


Here is the recipe:

1 part Dexron II, IIe, or III automatic transmission fluid. (must say Dexron
II, IIe, or III on the bottle)

1 part kerosene, deodorized ("K1" space heater oil, some lamp oils).

1 part acetone

1 part aliphatic mineral spirits ("Stoddard Solvent", "Varsol")

Optional: up to 1 pound (~0.5kg) anhydrous lanolin per 1 gallon (~4l) of the
other ingredients.  You may substitute Modified Lanolin Topical Lubricant
from the drug store if you can't find anhydrous lanolin.  The lanolin is
optional because it "makes the cleaner easier on the hands".  It's also
intended for long-term storage of firearms (or your tools) between
cleanings.  If you use your tools lots, which you probably do, you can leave
the lanolin out.

Instructions:  Mix outdoors in a metal or gasoline-approved plastic
container.  Do NOT mix in an HDPE plastic container (milk cartons, orange
juice bottles, and many food containers are HDPE, and they are marked HDPE
on the bottom, near the recycling symbol usually). Also avoid LDPE. (HDPE =
high density polyethelyne, LDPE = low density polyethelyne).

I personally use an old fashioned zinc-plated steel gas can, works like a
charm, and there's no chance of the can EVER rusting with this stuff in it.

The kerosene is available as "lamp oil" but some lamp oils are liquid
parafin (sic), so read the label before buying.

Acetone and aliphatic mineral spirits are available at your local hardware
warehouse store in the paint aisle.

Automatic transmission fluid is available at any auto parts store.

I purchased everything in 1 quart quantities, and left out the lanolin.
That makes one gallon, which fits nicely into a 1 or 1.5 gallon gas can.

This stuff is designed to remove carbon deposits, light rust, and lead
fowling.  It's good for removing stray solder bits from steel tools, and
will dissolve solder rosin that gets on tools.  The automatic transmission
fluid is the key ingredient; it seeps into the metal protecting it from
further/future rust.  I use it once a month on my nippers, needle nose
pliers, and heck, everything.  Dunk your drillbits in it and wipe them down
with a rag before storage.

Full description: http://www.steveellis.com/eds-red.pdf

Gustaf

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