Thread: Rust Prevention

Very interesting indeed but installing zinc washers that are meant to sacrificially corrode, even on a minute scale, has some problems. Firstly, corrosion. Over time the washers will change shape, a very small amount but still change. Second, zinc oxide. Not as hard as iron or chromium, but still a grit that is going to wear everything it upbraids against.
I still see regular maintenance as the best choice. Drying and lubrication. If you're in a more challenging atmosphere, add some Tuf Glide:
"Sentry Solution's concept is simple - dirt will not stick to equipment lubricated with a dry film and metal surfaces protected by a dry micro-bonded shield will not corrode!"

Yes, it is/was an interesting experiment. As it applies only to the pivot area don't overlook the cheapest/simplest solution to rust at the pivot area, don't get it wet in the first place. Never understood why the pivot area should become wet when shaving even when rinsing the blade under a running faucet.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Yes, . Never understood why the pivot area should become wet when shaving even when rinsing the blade under a running faucet.

Bob

Yep, I've wondered the same. While shaving/rinsing blade, I take great care to keep my fingers that are holding tang dry so as to not slip.. this care also keeps the pivot dry.
The benefits of zinc washers would perhaps be only truly enjoyed by those in environments or situations of which such care is not possible and or other factors like serious humidity apply..
In such situations I think now that I would treat it as part the standard upkeep... Installation of zinc washers would be done so utilizing a hex head machine screw assembly so that the pivot could be serviced as often as needed.
I wouldn't use standard rivets with if using zinc washer/anodes because it would prevent such upkeep.
But yes. You and Hart have great points: prevention and upkeep. Like just being careful, or the use of Tuf Glide. For after all is said and done perhaps the best ideas.
Perhaps if one wishes to do everything possible and really geek-out, then pivot-washer/anodes provide another viable option.

If the environment is that bad I think the blade, especially the edge, would suffer rusting sooner than the tang at the pivot. That said, you are right that sacrificial washers might be part of total prevention package but still of secondary importance to keeping the blade/edge in good condition. Without a decent blade/edge you won't be getting much of a shave.

Bob

Very true. The edge definitely suffers first. I set my worries aside with a hair dryer, a big mason jar, and a handful of silica packets... started doing that after I noticed rusting on blades and for a moment felt helpless to do anything about it... hate that feeling. So I was determined to fix the problem... Lol

So why not just use regular washers and store your razor closed, upside down, on top of a zinc plate (with the spine resting on the plate)?
You get a lot more sacrificial metal, the corrosion grit can be easily removed, and you don't have to modify the razors.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

So why not just use regular washers and store your razor closed, upside down, on top of a zinc plate (with the spine resting on the plate)?
You get a lot more sacrificial metal, the corrosion grit can be easily removed, and you don't have to modify the razors.

That there is some nice "outside the box" thinking.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

So why not just use regular washers and store your razor closed, upside down, on top of a zinc plate (with the spine resting on the plate)?.

With razors that I just clean up or want to keep original I wouldn't put zinc washers, but as long as I'm customizing or taking apart, there's no reason why not to install zinc. The zinc causes no more build up than other metals except that if it does happen to (rust), then the tang does not suffer.
When going through ideas before about utilizing zinc, I figured that I would put it in 7 day set boxes with a number of contact points like in the lid when it comes down rests on the spines.. but have never tried it yet.
It must be a natural progression of thought if we both and your friend had similar ideas when presented with the idea of zinc protection.
Anyway, when it comes to the washers contacting the spine, if taking the razor apart already, there really is no reason not to have the redundant protection provided by simply putting zinc in instead of a more royal metal than the tang is constructed of...

Originally Posted by Hart

...Over time the washers will change shape, a very small amount but still change. Second, zinc oxide. Not as hard as iron or chromium, but still a grit that is going to wear everything it upbraids against. ....!"[/URL]

This is a really good point. Made me think about how the hex head machine screws would be necessary for servicing. Thanks for that
Over time it indeed would be a factor, as iron oxide has the same effect. The difference is that no material would be pulled from the tang, as is the case with using more royal metals as pivot washers. And with the same care outlined above, the tang would be that much more protected. Zinc does not just recklessly rust away, it simply lends itself to the protection of other metals. The loosening of pivots, abrasion, it happens with any corrosion. This is just added protection..
Thanks so much for the replies! You have helped me understand it all better because I had not taken all into account..