Which tools are hazardous when de-rusting via wire wheel or steel wool?

[Onedivinehammer]

Which tools must you be careful with when cleaning up, or de-rusting? For some reason, I believe I've read Barcalo tools have hazardous materials (Lead) within the tool itself. True? I mainly use oil, WD-40, steel wool, and a little wire wheel for those stubborn items. I'd like to eventually use electrolysis. Anything I should be leery of?

 

[IFMJohn]

If you use electrolysis do not use it on the black oxide tools. Other than that I'm not sure.

 

[neophyte]

Berylco tools are manufactured out of a Beryllium-Copper alloy for applications were tools that are non-sparking, and non-magnetic are needed. The beryllium is highly toxic to your lungs. Ampco tools, particularly older ones may also be manufactured from the similar Beryllium alloys. The tools that are manufactured from Beryllium-Copper alloys are usually stamped BE-CU. Some other major USA manufacturers such as Stanley, and Crescent may have also sold BE-CU tools so if the tools are brass you should check for the Beryllium markings. Carltsoe, Sibille, and Ega-Master, Facom, and Beta, all also manufacture Beryllium tools but you're far less likely to come across them.

 

[neophyte]

The other tools you have to look out for are Cadmium plated tools. The Cadmium plating was used thru WW2 or possibly later. I believe it looks like a dull grey or aluminum color.Plomb and Indestro were two manufacturers that used it, but others did as well. When tarnished it may appear blackish. This is a past thread on it.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37183

There's also a section on Alloy-Artifacts.

https://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/faq.html

 

[4xdog]

The wire wheel itself is probably your greatest risk. Be sure to wear eye protection against flyng wire bits.

Old paints may be lead-based. Free-machining steel contains a little bit of lead, but it doesn't seem likely you'd run into that in old tools (although I'm prepared to be educated there).

 

[drivesitfar]

i'm pretty sure you shouldn't use stainless steel in your Electrolysis tank and there are a few more that i probably wouldn't either like nickel and maybe galvanized ones.

yes safety glasses or better yet full face shield when using a wire wheel especially one without a guard. also a thick shirt or sweat shirt or welding apron because those little wires will stick in pretty good when they come off and fly. best to not have any kids or friends close by either.

Simple green on a rags wipes down tools pretty nicely too if you haven't tried it.

 

[Westly]

I'd like to eventually use electrolysis.

Straignt white vinegar is amazing on rusted steel. As good as electrolysis in my experience (motorcycle tank insides).

 

[bonneyman]

The other tools you have to look out for are Cadmium plated tools. The Cadmium plating was used thru WW2 or possibly later. I believe it looks like a dull grey or aluminum color.Plomb and Indestro were two manufacturers that used it, but others did as well. When tarnished it may appear blackish. This is a past thread on it.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37183

There's also a section on Alloy-Artifacts.

https://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/faq.html

Add Blackhawk to that list.

Before you wire wheel a tool, research. If it was made during the War, I'd be suspect.

 

[Onedivinehammer]

Thanks everyone; especially Neophyte, as that's exactly what I was looking for. Unfortunately, I'm always thinking about this after wire-wheeling. So, would there be any concerns about using these tools, handling them, or is it just when using a wire-wheel on them?

What about these? Cadmium?

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