Lock Cleaning method

[LockNewbie21]

Hey all got an idea that might work for some locks made of certain metals.. i have no idea if it would work, i didnt do a bunch of reaserch but here goes.

My Pops like to metal detect and when he gets an old crusty coin out the ground he use's just his own homebrew form of electrolisis.

Simple take a 9volt battery got to radio shack the little bugger that clips on and then attack the positive wire to a spoon in a glass of water and such and such i am sure people know how it works.

My question, for certian metals not all for locks, could these be a good cheap alternative to cleaning them? i have seen the kerosenn thread that works miricles, so i thought of this idea and havent seen it around the forums at all.

Lookin for you feedback


Newbie21

[Krypos]

you mean like cleaning the inside? i imagine a lot of residue would build up inside and make a huge mess or something, like a lot of grime, but then again- what kind of dirty are we talking, all my locks are old but not really dirty inside or out. or do you mean like old weather worn locks?

[LockNewbie21]

I meant any really. Weather worn, filthy, dirt accumulation, dust and such, but the thought was would it work if they were dissasembled and went though electrolisys in peices<--bad spelling sorry its late, i have heard the some metals will rust or corrode though, but then i also thought that most locks have a finish put on them like chome plating and such, but my other thought was most pins except for drill proof one ar emade of copper, i think copper just deterioates during this process? I think it wou;d be great for some metals but other would need alternative cleaning.



Andy

[Varjeal]

Not much copper used in locks...pins are generally made of brass. Lock plugs are generally made of brass as well with the face plated (nickle?) for aesthetics. Lock bodies are generally also made either of brass or cheap pot metal depending on the type.

[Octillion]

I would not use electrolysis to clean locks, especially the inside. I don't know how well it will works at removing dirt, I would have guessed not at all, but you claim your dad has had success with it. Having the lock parts on the positive end of the battery will tend to remove metal from the parts, and leave a rough surface. It seems to me it would remove more metal from a clean surface, rather than a dirtied up surface which does not have a good interface with the electrolyte, which is opposite from what we want to happen.

I'd personally stay away from it, but I'm going to say try it on an old crappy lock and let us know how it works.

[LockNewbie21]

Thanks bud, yea it was just a thought i didnt hav a chance to test it out, let me know how it turns out.


Andy