tumbling nuts and bolts

hobojoe

hobojoe

Member
I just received an old rock tumbler from a friend. My thought was to use it to polish up old nuts and bolts...

Has anyone had success with using a tumbler to clean/polish nuts and bolts? If so, what media is recommended? Is it a waste of time? Are there better, more efficient, ways to shine up old nuts and bolts?

Thanks!
 
MotoMike

MotoMike

Member
Given that hardware is the least expensive when it comes to parts on a bike, IMO it isn't really worth the time and effort. Something to consider doing when replacing old crusty bolts that are located in tapped holes in cases, is to use a thread restoring tap to clean any crud from those tapped threads. This is particularly important for fasteners requiring a specific, critical torque value.
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
Better have them re-plated soon after. Dunno about using a rock tumbler, specifically; you're going to have to experiment to find the best cutting/polishing media. Once tumbled, most if not all of the plating will be gone. Bare steel rusts quickly.

Restoration is the only practical means of getting "fresh" original fasteners, with the correct markings. For a non-stock bike, stainless is tough to beat.
 
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