Removing oxidation/tarnishing from hardware

3'scompany

New member
Does anyone have a good remedy for getting the oxidation off of hardware? I realize that there isn't much I can do about the pitting, but I'd like to clean up the bridge on my guitar if possible. So, does anyone have any great tricks?
 
Re: Removing oxidation/tarnishing from hardware

Soak it in Kerosene. If not working, sand it off with sand paper.
 
Re: Removing oxidation/tarnishing from hardware

Mother's Mag & Aluminum polish works great on chrome and nickel. you can get it cheap at you local auto parts store.
 
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Re: Removing oxidation/tarnishing from hardware

Removing rust from plated chrome or nickel plated hardware can be done in numerous ways. Two of the best ways to remove rust that I've found are:

1). Brass wool (can be dipped in vinegar for tough rust removal). Brass wool is used in marine applications and can be found at places that sell marine supplies. Brass or bronze wool is softer than chrome, nickel and steel. You can effectively use it to clean oxidation off of those metals.

2). Naval jelly is great too although it is a chemical process that strips away rust as well as plating... I like to use naval jelly for rusty pickup slugs, screws and baseplates. It will remove light to moderate rust with anywhere from a few to several applications. You can also use the naval jelly with brass or bronze wool as well
 
Re: Removing oxidation/tarnishing from hardware

I probably should have noted this, but some of the plating has begun to come off. Will any of the recommendations hurt the pot metal (I'm assuming) underneath? It is a stock PRS wraparound bridge. Is is time to just buy a new one?
 
Re: Removing oxidation/tarnishing from hardware

I probably should have noted this, but some of the plating has begun to come off. Will any of the recommendations hurt the pot metal (I'm assuming) underneath? It is a stock PRS wraparound bridge. Is is time to just buy a new one?

It is time if it affects your comfort while playing.

Short of that, I got a little bottle of Gibson metal cleaner with a kit I got when buying one of my guitars. I use it mostly on the Grover Tuners on my J-45 or any metal parts that I touch often. It really does work well to clean things up. Don't think it would hurt the pot metal.
 
Re: Removing oxidation/tarnishing from hardware

Toothpaste...toothbrush. A little Windex doesn't hurt either.

There's a little piece of yellow felt soaked in something that is for cleaning jewelry it would take some of the pitting out as well...sorry forgot what its called.
 
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