Summary for rust on stainless horse bits Discussion
Rust on 304 stainless horse bits is discussed as a likely contamination problem rather than a true stainless failure. Altamash Naseem of Kanpur says the bits are cast from 304 stainless rods by a thermit process in sand moulds, and rust appears in corners when the bits are kept in a wet cloth. Benlogo questions why the bits are stored wet at all and suggests simply not keeping them in a wet cloth. Ray B Anderson explains that common stainless casting rust comes from iron contamination on the surface; he recommends cleaning and passivating the castings with an acid such as phosphoric acid, then rinsing thoroughly. He says removing shop contaminants should prevent rusting even if moisture is present. Another reply advises casting in a non-sand mould if possible, or hard chrome plating after molding and de-flashing, noting that rust will not form over hard chrome. The thread also suggests washing bits and storing them dry.
Q. How to remove red rust, or impurities from the surface of ss bits & riding equipment. The material we are using to cast the bits from is 304 ss rods, the method is thermit process through sand moulds. The problem occurs when we keep these bits in a wet cloth–rust occurs in corners.
Altamash Naseem
quality control – Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
2004
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A. Uh … don’t keep the bits in a wet cloth? I don’t really understand why you keep the bits in a wet cloth or what you mean by that. Please get back to us Altamash.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
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2003
A. Yes, why put the bits in the wet cloth ? it is easy to lead the bits to rust. My suggestion is applying some metal working oils during the fabrication.
Benlogo G.B. Huang
– Guangzhou, China
2004
A. Common problem with SS castings. They should all be cleaned/passivated with an acid, phosphoric is common but there are commercial cleaners available. Cause is iron contamination which, in presence of moisture, will rust and eventually pit the SS surface. Remove the iron (and other shop contaminants) as noted, then rinse off the cleaner of course, and your castings should be perfectly OK in their wet cloth (provided it doesn’t reintroduce contaminants).
Ray B Anderson
– Kent, Ohio
2004
A. Janab Altamash Naseem
The answer to your problem is to cast the bits in 304 but use a Non sand mould . Preferably use steel or SS mould.
If you must follow your baalu mold, the bits should be Hard chrome plated after molding and de flashing, ( Removal of Baavri ) for 30 minutes at 150 ASF. Any reasonable hard Chrome plater in Kanpur will provide the service.
Rust will not form over the Hard Chrome. Surface preparation is important. No Nickel please.
Is it necessary to store in wet cloth ? I have ridden too but never saw bits being stored in wet cloth. Bits can be washed and stored dry.
Or do Kanpur horses like their bits wet ?
Regards,
Asif Nurie [deceased]
– New Delhi, India
With deep regret we sadly advise that Asif passed away on Jan 24, 2016
2004
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