stainless steel...

[Jack]

Two things...
The first may sound a bit silly but i have to ask...

Does anyone use a 'wax' or some type of 'sealing/protective product' after cleaning their stainless steel bits? Is there any chance of reducing the chromium oxide coating by using something like that?

Also...
A couple of the turn buckles on the lifelines look like they are beginning to oxidize, turning a typical color green i would associate with the oxidation of copper. They seem solid when scraped with a screwdriver. Is this just a lesser grad of stainless?

thanks all
J&R

 

[wetass]

If they are turning green, my guess is they are chrome plated bronze.

 

[wetass]

Here you go: http://www.downwindmarine.com/Hayn-Lifeline-Turnbuckle-Jaw-to-Swage-Open-Body-p-91000398.html

 

[Brian S]

Woody Wax says it'll pretty much go on anything, including metal. I bought it for the non-skid areas, but a very small amount goes a very long way. Since I have so much of it left, I'm figuring on putting it on my bow pulpit and swim ladder. Debating putting it on my shrouds...

Brian

 

[Sailvayu]

I use Collinite metal wax works well.

 

[Steve Dion]

Miracle Cloth. Removes rust, polishes & protects. They are cheap and reuseable.

http://miraclecloth.com/

Check out eBay for cheap prices. I just paid about $2/ea when purchasing a dozen.

 

[rardiH36]

Yes, turnbuckles for lifelines can be chrome plated bronze. Mine were when I bought my 1980 boat (since replaced and now stainless).

In past on this forum, some have warned about using wax on stainless since it may block oxygen which then will actually accelerate formation of rust and further damage to the surface. I don't know about this as a wouldn't think wax would remain an oxygen barrier for very long. I used to follow my stainless cleaning with wax which did slow down the reformation of surface rust staining... maybe for a month or two instead of a few weeks.

I now use this stuff which really is incredible ....

http://www.spotlessstainless.com/

It actually does what the website pictures show. Mainsail has done some field tests with it. Use the search function of this site to find.

 

[Jack]

Thanks everyone...
look like spotless stainless is the way to go....
J&R