Cleaning metal tenon?

[khartman]

Hoping to get a little help with one of my clean ups. The stem on one of the pipes had a metal tenon and theres a lot of gunk on it. I've been able to clean it up a good amount but plenty of fine grooves and cuts in it that I can't completely clean. Is there an easy fix or is this just plenty of elbow grease time? Here is a photo of where I'm at with it right now.

On a different note, I used the magic eraser on the stem....man does that do wonders!!

 

[huntertrw]

khartman:
Allow me to suggest that you soak the metal part in Everclear 190-proof grain alcohol for a while, and then scrub it with a firm-bristled tooth brush. That should do the trick.

 

[khartman]

Alright, I've been using vodka for cleaning the inside of the stem and bowl, would that work (I know it's a lower proof)? Also I'm assuming it's alright if it gets on the outside of the stem?

 

[huntertrw]

khartman:
I cannot speak to the efficacy of vodka as a cleaning solvent, as all that I have ever used is the aforementioned Everclear. I do not believe that either liquor will hurt the Vulcanite, although I find that Everclear does tend to dull its appearance, a problem which I remedy by waxing with carnauba.

 

[gambit88]

Vodka should be fine. I've been Using 100 proof store moonshine to good effect. I also use a wire brush to get into the nooks and crannys. For super stubborn stuff ive resorted to sandpaper.

 

[khartman]

Ok, well I'll start with the vodka since I already have it. I'll go with everclear if the vodka isn't working. Thanks!

 

[purplemotoman]

If you soak that part in OxiClean mix for about 15 minutes a Magic Eraser will remove it completely.

 

[yaddy306]

That stinger looks positively medieval.

 

[ejames]

I use a small brass wire brush and/or 0000 steel wool after soaking the gunk.

 

[buroak]

Everclear would be better, but a lower proof alcohol should still loosen the crud.

 

[khartman]

I put it in the vodka for about an hour and scrubbed a little more off. I think I need to just let it sit for the afternoon and keep working on the other stems I have that just need the magic eraser.

 

[buroak]

Extra soaking time has never hurt a stinger of mine. I always prefer more time soaking to more time scrubbing.

 

[tuold]

+1 on Everclear and steel wool. I've also used a dental pick to scrape stains off stingers.

 

[plateauguy]

I've use Oxyclean and Everclear (does anyone really drink that stuff?!). Then I use thin pipe cleaners to clean the inside of the stinger and a microfiber towel for the exterior.

 

[zack24]

Too bad you're not in my part of the world- 20 seconds with ultra-fine glass bead in my micro blasting cabinet would make that as good as new….

 

[khartman]

Well I let it sit in the vodka for about 4-5 hours. Pulled it out and with a little scrubbing with the magic eraser and got pretty much everything. Really just need to take a toothpick to get some of the tiny tiny corners. Thanks everyone for the help!
Plateauguy--> True story, everclear was the first alcohol I had. Put some in a 20 oz gatorade with some skittles when I was a freshman in college. Burned like hell going down until about 3/4 done and then tasted like skittles....being rather intoxicated may have biased my taste........nah probably tasted like skittles.
Zack24--> That would be awesome, oh well. I guess doing this by hand is a good way to learn how hard restoring can really be.

 

[khartman]

BOOM!!!!

HOLY COW!! The amazing work of 15 minutes in oxyclean and then a little work with the magic eraser! Now I just need the pipe reamer to show up from P&C!!