Cleaning rust on hardware

MichiBass · #1 07-03-2009, 09:28 AM

Hello,

My '05 HWY1 Jazz Bass will get a major cleaning session soon. The screws that hold the pickguard and the control plate got rusty (two of them pretty bad), because my hands are very sweaty when playing. The polepieces from my Fender Custom Shop 60ies pickups also got a bit rusty. The polepieces are exposed, like 1-2mm from the pickup cover...

I thought of taking the screws out, letting them soak overnight in WD 40, then brushing them with fine steel wool. Is this ok? Do the screws have some kind of plating (that I may take off with the steel wool)?
Regarding the polepieces, is it ok to brush them with steelwool? I'm cleaning the dust afterwards. Then dip them with a bit of WD40, or can that damage the pickup in any way?

Do you have any other recommendations regarding this?

Thanks a lot.

Michi

ironrat · #2 07-03-2009, 09:32 AM

use polished stainless steel screws :-)

MichiBass · #3 07-03-2009, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironrat

use polished stainless steel screws :-)

I know I can buy new ones, but I'm asking how can I get them shiny and clean. Thanks

Sinclair · #4 07-03-2009, 02:48 PM

Sorry for the interposed question..

How do the CS 60's sound compared to the stock PUs?
Thought about that upgrade for a while

JustDavid · #5 07-03-2009, 04:39 PM

I'm a bit paranoid about steel wool: the chance for the crumbs clinging to the magnetic pickup.

DanRJBrasil · #6 07-03-2009, 05:27 PM

you cant' make it look polished again those are chromed iron screws when the chrome layer is gone only chroming again,better changing for new inexpensive stainless steel screws

202dy · #7 07-03-2009, 06:59 PM

The guitar industry is unique in that it is one of the few that use nickel plated screws. As you've found, if enough moisture finds it's way to the screws they'll rust.

WD40 (W=water, D=displacement, 40=fortieth attempt) is not a penetrating oil. It will do absolutely nothing to remove rust. It's not much of a lubricant, either. It does protect against moisture pretty well.

Try this. Get some Lime Away or CLP. Put some in a small dish along with the screws. Let them soak for twenty minutes or so. Then triple rinse with clear water. Then dry them off. This is important. If you do not, there will be a thin brown coat of rust on the screws in a very short period of time. Then apply a light coat of WD40.

NB: Lime Away contains the same active ingredients as Naval Jelly. It is caustic. If you get it on your skin it will burn. Be careful. Wear gloves. Rinse well with water if you get some on you.

Zooberwerx · #8 07-03-2009, 07:08 PM

Leave it as, post pics, and claim its your new Fender "Road Worn" model.

Riis

Lurker79 · #9 07-03-2009, 07:09 PM

CLP and 0000 steel wool. Guaranteed. Remove your pup covers and hit lightly, you'll probably only have to go over it one time. You'll be able to remove any crumbs, and it will be a breeze.

ironrat · #10 07-03-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lurker79

CLP and 0000 steel wool. Guaranteed. Remove your pup covers and hit lightly, you'll probably only have to go over it one time. You'll be able to remove any crumbs, and it will be a breeze.

then paint them

Oren Hudson · #11 07-03-2009, 08:45 PM

Here's what's works real good for me. Get one of those polishing bristle type brushes that attaches to your drill. Then polish/buff away. Start easy and work your way up. This works well on screw heads. Not too sure about the pole pieces. Just start slow.