Tool Talk
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: bonneyman on October 22, 2019, 10:41:43 PM
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I picked up an AMPCO DBE wrench over the weekend. One of those (I think) non-sparking, non-magnetic jobs. The copper color came through, but it's pretty dark. Would like to clean it, but I think it's one of those toxic metal alloys.
Or should I leave it as is and sell it? I just think it's cool, but ebay has these things going for crazy prices.
Any advice from you guys would be appreciated.
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I guess the "toxic' metal you are concerned with is beryllium, found in BeCu alloys.
Ampco metal is an aluminum bronze. Pretty harmless.
Check the Ampco website for details.
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10-4 I was thinking about beryllium.
I did go to their website, but only looking for variety and prices. Didn't think to look up the alloy. Thanks!
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Hello, Bonneyman. I have had their hammers before. From what I recall ,the hazard is when the metal dust becomes airborne, so no grinding, cutting, sanding, or wire wheel!! Regards, Lou
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I have those type of tools before. I just clean them under running water. Scotch Brite pad or fine wire brush. I do the same with cadmium coated tools. I have been doing it for over 50 years and it has not harmed me yet. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, thud. BIG TOOL SALE.
Mrs. EvilDr235
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I have a 12" adjustable wrench, 12" Channel lock pliers, and a 24" crow bar that are AMPCO. I always just called it bronze. I have tried selling mine several times at 1/3 the original price and people tell me I'm crazy. New they run about $300 each and are required for work in certain environments. I had to use them on scale decks in the ink mixing room of a package printing co. I did all the equipment service work for this company for about 16 years and they gave me the tools I have when I first started working in their plant. Last time I listed them it was for $100 each or $250 for all 3 and never had a bite. Ebay has a lot of them but I don't know if they are selling.
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Well, I tried scrubbing the wrench with solvent. Nada.
Next I hit it with a rag and rubbing compound. Got alot of black off, but the pores in the wrench are still full. Not a very smooth surface at all. Is that normal?
Then I applied some chrome polish, just to see if the few black-free areas would shine up any. A little bit of shine. I was thinking of hitting it with some 1000 grit sandpaper and just making it a conversation piece. But I've decided against all that effort. So I'm thinking the thing will get another thorough once over with cleaner and then get hung on the pegboard.
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Hello, Bonneyman. I agree with leg17, and AMPCO also used other alloys. Here is something from the AMPCO website. "AMPCO SAFETY TOOLS® is using mainly Aluminum Bronze and Copper Beryllium but also Aluminum and brass alloys" I have a Berylco wrench here, not a high polish, and this one is made from Beryllium Copper. Regards, Lou
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The surface is normally rough, compared to most tools. Sand paper of any grit will do more damage than good, soak it in kerosene or mineral spirits and use a small brass wire brush. These tools don't have a bright shiny surface when new, you just want to clean off the black oxidation. Most of the black is caused by the aluminum content in the alloy.
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The surface is normally rough, compared to most tools. Sand paper of any grit will do more damage than good, soak it in kerosene or mineral spirits and use a small brass wire brush. These tools don't have a bright shiny surface when new, you just want to clean off the black oxidation. Most of the black is caused by the aluminum content in the alloy.
Actually I was going to try one of my tricks - polishing with toothpaste!
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Don't forget to floss!! :cheesy:
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Toothpaste did remove some stuff, but not clean enough. So I pulled out the Turtle Wax rubbing compound and put some elbow grease in it. Not bad. To prevent re-corrosion I put a light coat of ballistol gun oil on it.
We'll see how long it stays looking bright.