Advice on AMPCO wrench

[bonneyman]

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.

[leg17]

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.

[bonneyman]

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!

[lptools]

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

[EVILDR235]

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

[papadan]

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.

[bonneyman]

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.

[lptools]

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

[papadan]

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.

[bonneyman]

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!

[lptools]

Don't forget to floss!!

[bonneyman]

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.