best cleaner for brass connectors?

[SCguy]

What do you suppose is the best way to clean up the brass connectors and pressure valve in the brake lines?

 

[jerrybny]

If you want to try something natural try vinegar, lemon or lime juice. The acid in them will wash away the tarnish and you won't be using anything toxic.

 

[Andrew Mace]

Tomato juice...or sauce...or even ketchup might work, too! Otherwise, there's always "Brasso"!

And there are also soft wire brushes for use on bench grinders; IIRC, the bristles themselves are brass and will clean bits up nicely.

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi Larry,

You might try to find a product called "Mr. Metal". It works well on many types of metal, including brass. I've used it with a Dremel as well as hand polishing. One of my local hardware stores carries it.

FYI: the switch and the one-way valve aren't brass... the original finish on them is galvanized.

There are other types of brass polish that would likely work, too.

After I get something like that cleaned up and looking nice, I wash it with disc brake cleaner and/or acetone or lacquer thinner to remove any and all traces of the polish or oils, then coat it with clear engine paint. That holds up well against oil and fuel (but disc brake cleaner will remove it) and protects the part from new tarnish or corrosion.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif

 

[tomshobby]

Brass on brake lines? Hope not. That would be a safety issue.

 

[jsneddon]

ooh boy.... here we go again.

sorry Tom... you'll find that mentioning copper/brass brake lines always brings out a heated debate. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

anyone up for another round of DOT3 vs LMA vs Silicone while we're at it?

 

[jerrybny]

I'll take mine shaken not stirred please /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif

 

[PeterK]

i always media blast the connectors with walnut shells and/or used (dull) glass beads. then chase the threads with a tap, spray out with brake cleaner and compressed air, then tanked to remove any possible media, compressed air (again), and brake cleaner (again) just to be sure they're clean.