Wire wool

[taximan]

Is it OK to use fine grade wire wool to clean aluminium parts, I ask because I think I read somewhere that it can stain the metal.

 

[tamiya]

yeah bits of steel get embedded in your alu/alloy, then they rust

Why do you need to wirewool it anyway? Green scotchbrite pad works well enough, or use an acid wash stain remover for aluminium if it needs severe reviving.

 

[taximan]

yeah bits of steel get embedded in your alu/alloy, then they rust

Why do you need to wirewool it anyway? Green scotchbrite pad works well enough, or use an acid wash stain remover for aluminium if it needs severe reviving.

I am just trying to get into those awkward little corners. Anyway, thanks for answering my question.

 

[Nick Saddlesore]

Brass or bronze wool is an alternative which won't rust.

 

[Gunk]

In my experience you can use wire wool on aluminium but with plenty of lubricant ie WD40 or white spirit and only use fine wire wool, a scotch pad is better.

 

[DCBassman]

While we're on the subject what's best to polish up an alloy stem?

 

[Drago]

Autosol.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

Wife

 

[weareHKR]

MAAS Polish

 

[Gunk]

Autosol.

^^^ this

 

[Ajax Bay]

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/car-cleaning/car-polish/autosol-metal-polish-75g-636217.html
I have a tube of Solvol Autosol with some left in: bought in 1975! (for 'illegally' cleaning SLR gas plugs)

 

[Drago]

Typically you would use about 1/4 of a tube of Autosol, then accidentally stand on the tube causing the rest to squirt uselessly away.

 

[weareHKR]

Autosol is good, I still have some for metal & Autosol scratch remover.
When I tried MAAS it's far superior to Autosol & it has anti-tarnish protection, so shiny things stay shiny for a lot longer & it smells of Lavender, which is nice...

 

[Andy_R]

I am just trying to get into those awkward little corners. Anyway, thanks for answering my question.

Try using scrunched up aluminium foil