Cleaning hardware and small parts - Tumbler/Media
#1668660
09/07/14 08:06 PM
09/07/14 08:06 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 77 South
Squirrel_Cat
OP
member
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OP
member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 77
South
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I am interested in picking up a tumbler to clean up painted hardware, rusty bolts, small pieces, etc. Harbor Freight seems like a reasonable option for something like this, they have a $57 5lb unit or a $165 18lb unit. There is a big price difference and a big volume difference there, I am looking for input from people that have used these before on which size to go with? Will the 5lb handle what I need it for? I'd rather not spend the +$110 if the 5lb will do 95% of what I'd like to do with it, but I've never used one before to say which would be better suited. http://www.harborfreight.com/18-lb-vibratory-bowl-with-liquid-drain-hose-96923.htmlhttp://www.harborfreight.com/5-lb-metal-vibrator-tumbler-67617.htmlI was also seeking input on what type of media to use for cleaning up car parts? Thanks!
1973 340 'Cuda
2013 Mustang GT
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Re: Cleaning hardware and small parts - Tumbler/Media
[Re: Squirrel_Cat]
#1668665
09/08/14 02:06 AM
09/08/14 02:06 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 299 East Brunswick, NJ
finadk
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 299
East Brunswick, NJ
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I tried the HF unit. The unit worked the way it was supposed to but took FOREVER to clean a small amount of nuts and bolts. Its not worth the time, money or effort for cleaning parts.
I invested in a small ultrasonic cleaner, bought a general purpose solution, and an electrical parts solution, and never looked back. Good luck. Scott
Scott
1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer (408 Stroker, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Rack & Pinion, 6 speed)
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab
1976 Corvette
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Re: Cleaning hardware and small parts - Tumbler/Media
[Re: Squirrel_Cat]
#1668666
09/08/14 08:55 AM
09/08/14 08:55 AM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,430 St Charles MO
70Coronet500Vert
master
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master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,430
St Charles MO
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A tumbler will vary greatly depending on the media you use in the tumbler. I have walnut shells for some brass parts I regularly reuse and some small ceramic spheres. Neither cleaned rusty nuts and bolts very well. Maybe corn cob.
No matter how responsible he may seem, never give your gun to a monkey! 1970 Coronet Vert 1972 Charger 1974 Satellite Sebring Plus Sundance 2001 Ram 4x4 2002 Intrepid 2006 300C
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Re: Cleaning hardware and small parts - Tumbler/Media
[Re: Squirrel_Cat]
#1668670
09/08/14 02:00 PM
09/08/14 02:00 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312 Cincinnati, Ohio
Challenger 1
Too Many Posts
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Too Many Posts
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 28,312
Cincinnati, Ohio
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I sand blasted and repainted a rusty boat trailer a few years ago. It is the type with rollers and there were many of these rusty washers. I tossed them into my vibrator with green pyramids and water. This picture is of the pryamids dry with white dirt all over them before I add the water. Overnight they are bare metal ready for paint, way better and faster than blasting them by hand or worse yet wire brushing each one. The green pyramids don't hurt in some cases or completely remove the original plating unlike acid that does. So it's easier to refinish hardware at home than having to pay some one to re plate your hardware and hope it's done right and hope the acid or plating does not change the dimension of your hardware. This was after just a hour or so, the next day they are ready for paint.
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Re: Cleaning hardware and small parts - Tumbler/Media
[Re: burdar]
#1668672
09/08/14 02:08 PM
09/08/14 02:08 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,574 Lakeland FL
floridian
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,574
Lakeland FL
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Quote:
You get what you pay for. The HF 5lbs tumbler will not do that. At least not over night. Maybe after 24 hours of continuous use.
I would try the vibrator they sell next time.. Let my tumbler work overnite, was not impressed...
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Re: Cleaning hardware and small parts - Tumbler/Media
[Re: Squirrel_Cat]
#1668675
09/08/14 04:46 PM
09/08/14 04:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 299 East Brunswick, NJ
finadk
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 299
East Brunswick, NJ
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How long is forever? I don't plan on being in a hurry when using this and am considerings 5-6 hours...maybe more to be sufficient to clean a batch of hardware throughly.
Thanks all.
I let it go 24 hours, then 3 days and finally gave up after a week. After 5 days there was little additional improvement.
Scott
1956 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer (408 Stroker, 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, Rack & Pinion, 6 speed)
2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab
1976 Corvette
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