Subject: Re: removing rust inhibitor/gunk from wire rope

From: [email-masked]
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 1996 09:09:52 -0500

The rust inhibitor is applied by the producing mill after the steel or wire
rope is completed manufacturing, ie, dunked in a coil in a tank of typically
"Ryconox" or "Steelguard", which as you mention then forms gunk by picking up
every bit of dust and dirt available.  The manufacturing mills also often use
the rust inhibitors while still in process to keep the metal from rusting
after acid or alkaline cleaning, as clean steel even the 400 series
stainlesses will rust almost immediately after being cleaned.  The steel
mills remove the rust inhibitor with a hot soap and water treatment and in
the case of 440A and 440C, quickly put it in a baker to dry to avoid rusting.
 So I would think that you should wait until just before using the metal
before cleaning it to avoid surface rusting.  In the case of the stainless
grades, the higher carbon grades (420, and the 440's) will not only rust, but
huge pitts will develop if all of the acid is not removed prior to heating.
Current laws in the U.S. put the burden of supplying "safety data sheets" on
all products which may be harmful in any way to the user of a product, and
even the smallest blacksmith shop is just as entitled to receive these sheets
from the supplier as their largest customer (they must get this info for
you), In this case the data sheets would explain how to remove the lube or
rust inhibitor used on this product.  "Steelguard", one of the most popular
rust inhibitors is manufactured in the Philadelphia area by Steelguard Corp.
and I am sure that you could call them and ask for suggestions.
Mike Schermerhorn

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From: Ralph Snel <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 1996 17:21:04 MET

> after acid or alkaline cleaning, as clean steel even the 400 series

I guess alkaline cleaning is the way to go here. Oil and fat and such will
gladly convert to soap to help in the cleaning process. Unless you just
burn off the whole lot. If it doesn't leave ashes, just black carbon,
it shouldn't be a problem (I hope :)

Ralph Snel
[email-masked]
Sweden