Dear MMDers,  Joel Cluskey asks about cleaning screws during an
instrument restoration and further asks about the tumbler type
cleaners.

I recently read an article that reviewed the tumblers offered by the
Eastwood Company.  The tester tried several nuts and bolts removed from
antique automobiles in various stages of deterioration.  As I recall,
the results were:

1. It works but takes a very long time.

2. Fasteners which had little deterioration cleaned up the best.

3. Fasteners with much rust or deterioration didn't clean up well even
after 48 hours in the tumbler.

Bottom line, it didn't sound like it was worth it and I didn't buy one.

What I generally do, whether it is screws from a piano or an old Ford,
is use a serious buffing wheel.  I have an arbor with a fairly stiff
wire brush on one side and an 8-10 inch tight weave cotton buff on the
other.  The combination generally makes short work of restorable
screws, nuts, bolts and other hardware.  Use a medium to fine grit
buffing compound.

One requirement when buffing is a good pair of pliers for holding the
screws.  A cotton buff turning at a moderate speed can grab a screw and
throw it where the sun don't shine or at least where you'll never see
it again.  I have used this process for almost 50 years and it works
well.

Cheers,
Bob Conant
Bradenton, Florida