I am asking for suggestions to clean the various hardware (nuts and bolts), fender braces, etc. I am speaking namely of non-painted, but plated items.
Many a time, I see nice hardware (fender, chainguard hardware, axle nuts, etc.) that are discolored, blackened and sometimes lightly rusted.
I understand that most of the hardware is plated and cleaning them up on the wire wheel make them shines and new, but at the cost of plating removal.
I read a little about oxalic acid, but I am unsure if it would achieve the desired result. Is there a cleaner, polish or chemical that could be used effectively to remove the discoloration, save the plating and restore the hardware to its' original color.
I have also heard that some do remove the plating via a wire wheel and then clear over the exposed surfaces or use some assimilating products to replicate a plated surface (I heard of Eastwood Products as being a source).
I have also heard their is a health danger when cadmium plating gets airborne. (i.e. when grinding).
Any help, recommendations or solutions would be appreciated.
Many a time, I see nice hardware (fender, chainguard hardware, axle nuts, etc.) that are discolored, blackened and sometimes lightly rusted.
I understand that most of the hardware is plated and cleaning them up on the wire wheel make them shines and new, but at the cost of plating removal.
I read a little about oxalic acid, but I am unsure if it would achieve the desired result. Is there a cleaner, polish or chemical that could be used effectively to remove the discoloration, save the plating and restore the hardware to its' original color.
I have also heard that some do remove the plating via a wire wheel and then clear over the exposed surfaces or use some assimilating products to replicate a plated surface (I heard of Eastwood Products as being a source).
I have also heard their is a health danger when cadmium plating gets airborne. (i.e. when grinding).
Any help, recommendations or solutions would be appreciated.