unknown alloy wrench - how to polish?

[Duct Tape Man]

Got this Schick-brand made in USA 12-inch non-sparking adjustable wrench, marked "5120-264-3794-ALBR". I assume the first numbers are the military Field Stock Number (predates the National Stock Number) for this item. Last is ALBR, ALuminum Bronze? Not sure what alloy this is.

Want to make the Schick wrench shine again, but heard that wire brushing BERYLCO (a similar non-sparking alloy) makes Beryllium airborne which is toxic. What alloy is this wrench, and how would you recommend making it shine again without killing me?

 

[ggoss]

Aluminum Bronze is correct- should be non-magnetic and non-sparking, though somewhat softer than a comparable steel wrench. Interested in hearing what others think about making it shiny, as I have a similar need.

 

[WWIIjeep]

Got this Schick-brand made in USA 12-inch non-sparking adjustable wrench, marked "5120-264-3794-ALBR". I assume the first numbers are the military Field Stock Number (predates the National Stock Number) for this item. Last is ALBR, ALuminum Bronze? Not sure what alloy this is.

The number is from the old FSN system. It's a Federal Stock Number, not a Field Stock Number. That puts the vintage of the wrench somewhere between the early 1950s and the mid 1970s.

Aluminum bronze is an alloy of aluminum and copper, usually with a smaller percentage of other elements added (e.g., tin, iron, nickel, zinc, etc.). The exact composition in your case is probably something only Shick would know.

You might be able to clean it with something like Brasso, or other metal polish. Just guessing on that. If it were mine, I'd start with throwing it in the ultrasonic cleaner for 15 or 20 minutes, but not everyone has that option available. On the other hand, it's a good excuse to buy yourself a (big) ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[GCncsuHD]

Just a thought, but make sure you "really" want to polish the wrench. Being aluminum bronze alloy, the aluminum should form a thin aluminum oxide layer (that dark coating on your wrench) that is harder than the aluminum/bronze alloy itself, effectively creating a "hardened" layer. Polishing would remove that layer, granted it should form back on it's own over time.

I might would do a rub down with a polish just to clean it, but I wouldn't try to really shine it unless you plan on displaying it. Then again, I have never used or handled such a wrench.