Thread: Reusing / restoring pin collars

I put some G. Johnsons' apart with the aim to restore 2 (the other blades were more or less done). Unfortunately the scales were all more or less cracked and/or de-laminated. I decided to probably go with the new ones BUT I will reuse the "flower" colars... which brings me to my question...

I've never cleaned collars like these so any advice would be appreciated. I am almost sure there must be a topic, tutorial or sth like it hidden somewhere but I can't seem to find it. The collars are pretty fragile so the cleaning will probably have to be done by hand?
To you think there's any chance of machine, cleaning them (I was thinking of eg a washer on a rod and a slow spinning buff or sth less catchy)?

the flowery collars to be cleaned:



the 4 Johnsons' bunch

You can make a mandrel from a small bolt or screw, nut and small washers and chuck in a drill press or a Dremel at slow speed. Rub on metal polish and a cloth or piece of rough leather. Or hold the mandrel with a pair of Vice Grips and use a Dremel at slow speed with a small buffing wheel, cloth or felt.

There are post in the Workshop forum on doing so.

Take your time and go slow. They will polish nicely.

+ 1 to that Euclid.
Also....those scales can be saved !!
Make your repairs, then soak them in neats foot oil.

There's information in the threads , Butchered blade, and What are you working on, for both subjects.

Theres quit a few post, and will take some searching, but I can narrow it down to somewhere between 2015, to the present date. Tons of information covering all aspects of restoration, abound in these two threads.

All you have to do is read thru it. But Euclid's got ya covered on the collars.

You also might try soaking in, Vinegar or Evaporust for a couple of hours to remove rust and tarnish, then polish.

thanks guys for the guidelines and the hints of where to find the info!