Parts Cleaning

[mikesean76]

Curious what is a common approach to cleaning small parts like bolts for the community.

I read up on many different approaches: ultrasonic, vibratory bowls, blacking/blueing, etc. Since I have a limited amount of space and resources, I would prefer simple techniques that prolong and protect the parts.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Curious what is a common approach to cleaning small parts like bolts for the community.

I read up on many different approaches: ultrasonic, vibratory bowls, blacking/blueing, etc. Since I have a limited amount of space and resources, I would prefer simple techniques that prolong and protect the parts.

For restorations (not 200 related in my case), I use a tumbler to clean up old bolts and hardware, if I plan to reuse rather than replace. Particularly when they have surface rust. Sometime I polish the bolt heads, when they will be visible. This doesn't protect most bolts.

For cleaning grease or crud, I use my ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner is such a versatile device.

Brake parts cleaner can also work wonders, depending on what you require.

Some folks like to galvanize bolts to protect them, and I have zinc coated some bolts on other projects (not the 200).

When it comes to the 200, I just replace bolts or hardware if any are suspect, as they are usually cheap and easily acquired.

 

[mikesean76]

For restorations (not 200 related in my case), I use a tumbler to clean up old bolts and hardware, if I plan to reuse rather than replace. Particularly when they have surface rust. Sometime I polish the bolt heads, when they will be visible. This doesn't protect most bolts.

For cleaning grease or crud, I use my ultrasonic cleaner. An ultrasonic cleaner is such a versatile device.

Brake parts cleaner can also work wonders, depending on what you require.

Some folks like to galvanize bolts to protect them, and I have zinc coated some bolts on other projects (not the 200).

When it comes to the 200, I just replace bolts or hardware if any are suspect, as they are usually cheap and easily acquired.

I was surprised how well the apple cider vinegar worked after a couple days soaking. Did t do much for a few rusted bolts but the zinc coated ones turned out nice.

 

[KLF]

Simple green mixed with water, in a crock pot on low, let them soak for a few days.

 

[doru]

It depends on what level of "clean" do you want and the condition you are starting off with.
For surface rust for common maintenance, I use PB Blaster. Just toss the bolts in it when removed and by the time I need to put them back they are good enough. Being parts that are regularilly (more or less) removed a "like new" condition is not necessary. I follow with a thread chaser, rinse with more Blaster, wipe and assembly. Wipe is important as otherwise the torque wrench reading is wrong (you are overtightening it).
For heavy rusted bolts the best and easiest is to just replace.
For discontinued parts, I'll follow along the lines of above posts. In addition I use rust removers like Evapo-Rust for safe but slow, or Eastwood Rust Remover for fast removal. This falls into the restoration category rather than just cleaning and I have to have good reasons to spend the time and effort.