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Blueing touch-up pens, any good?

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15 April 2002, 16:47
Geo
Blueing touch-up pens, any good?
Does anyone here have experience with blueing touch-up pens made by Birchwood Casey? I have a few spots of rust on the bolt knob of my rifle, and despite persistant applications of rust remover and light use of fine steel wool, it keeps coming back. Do I have to remove all the old blueing first, or just buff it a bit with the steel wool and apply? thanks.
15 April 2002, 18:29
Pyrotek
The quick and temporary kind of blueing is done by depositing copper through chemical reaction between solution and steel, because the reaction is so fast the copper do not have time to crystallize, it is therefore black.

I have used those "quick blueing, no mess" kind of product and I don't like them, it discolor overtime and is too soft.

If there's a small scratch on your bolt that is fine to use but it's not good enough to cover the whole area, remember the copper deposit is soft and your hand will constantly be rubbing the bolt-knob, which will wear them out even faster.

16 April 2002, 00:22
PC
There not great, but they do cover little blemishes, but are no good for severe marking. They have a place but it is limited, try one and make your own assumptions.

Regards PC.

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16 April 2002, 13:37
Robgunbuilder
Don't waste your time on those "blueing Pens". Buy a bottle of 44/40 from Brownells and swab it on the bolt. Many times I've been amazed at how well it covers blemishes and light scratches.-Rob