Posted by Bruce Thomson on January 01, 2001 at 15:24:59:
In Reply to: Re: Cleaning handcuffs posted by Atame on December 31, 2000 at 05:51:11:
Hi Folks. I want to voice some concerns over what to spray into the lock of the cuff, as some lubricants can combine with lint/dust to make a gummy paste that can make the cuffs difficult to open. There is a lot of room in the lockcase of the Harvard cuff, so it is a great lint trap. If the works are rusted up enough that soaking the cuff is unavoidable I soak them in WD-40, and seal them inside a disposable sandwich bag for a day (or longer), this usually frees up the hinge and removes a fair bit of surface rust. Assuming that the lock is in working order, I use a product called never-dull for cleaning the surfaces it removes most of surface rust and even leaves a nice glossy shine on bare metal and plate. Unfortunately, it removes most of the brown finish that you find on some older cuffs like the Towers. Use caution, as both of these products are flammable - smoke somewhere else!
Bruce Thomson
: Hi Ron,
: I made good experiences with "WD-40" in the past. This is an AFAIK English spray which is also available in many other countries (e.g. Germany). It removes rust, lubricates and protects the handcuffs. I used it the following way (e.g. on my Peerless 1926): I laid some newspaper in a bowl and then put the handcuffs in it. Before I sprayed "WD-40" into the mechanical parts of the cuffs. Then I also sprayed some "WD-40" on the cuff's surface (especially on the rust-spots). Then I covered the bowl with an old handkerchief, which prevents evaporation (and also helps against expansion of oily smell). The next day I turn the handcuffs over and spray "WD-40" on their other side. Depending on the rust-level I possible repeat this procedure some days. Then (or sometimes also in between) I use a "wash up" sponge with two sides (a rough and a smoother) to carefully remove the spots. For very heavy and deep rust I use the rough side, for light surface rust the smoother side should do it.
: I hope that could help you a little bit.
: Regards,
: Atame