How to process an ax so that the metal does not rust, popular means

The metal nozzle of the ax with a blade is actively subject to corrosion. It is enough to leave it in the grass after chopping firewood, in the morning the blade will be covered with red stains and dull. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to burnish the metal. This is a procedure that helps prevent the formation of rust on the tool.

How to chop an ax at home?

Rust appears on the metal not only from exposure to moisture, but also when interacting with air. There are quite a few reasons for this:

• the metal is covered with red spots at high humidity (from 60%);
• gases in the atmosphere accelerate the destruction process;
• active and passive particles in the form of solid inclusions increase the rusting rate;
• lowering the temperature leads to the evaporation of moisture, which contributes to rapid corrosion;
• steel is thermodynamically unstable.

How will burning an ax help?

Experts note that steel products must be burnished. The process helps to protect products against corrosion. The surface is treated with oxidation and then with oil.

It ensures that there are no rust stains with proper care of the ax.

The thickness of the coating layer is from 1 to 10 µm. The higher it is, the better the corrosion protection. The procedure is carried out at low temperatures. In hot weather, only an alkaline solution is used, as it is more gentle.

Blueing preparation

The operation is carried out outdoors or in a well-ventilated workshop specially prepared for working with chemicals. Be sure to purchase protective clothing, strong gloves and a mask that will protect the skin and respiratory organs from exposure to harmful substances.

It is strictly forbidden to carry out bluing in residential premises.

Chemical components are stored in special containers that are not subject to destruction. Protective clothing and a mask will help avoid burning the mucous membranes.

Metal processing methods

There are three main methods: alkaline, acid and thermal. Each of them has its own advantages. At the same time, not only axes are processed in such ways, but also weapons, as well as other metal objects.

Alkaline bluing is built on the ability of the material to oxidize. This is a popular method that will be successful if you strictly follow the instructions. The procedure is carried out in a room that is well ventilated. The temperature regime varies from 135 to 150 degrees.

Walkthrough:

1. Clean and degrease the ax nozzle.
2. Pour 100 ml of water into a porcelain container.
3. Add 30 g of sodium nitrate and technical soda 100 g.
4. The composition is mixed well and heated to a temperature of 150 degrees.
5. The device is immersed in the resulting liquid for half an hour.
6. Washed in distilled water.
7. Air dry.
8. Lubricated with machine oil.

After processing, the ax head is covered with a dense black film with a bluish tint. If more powerful protection is required, increase the amount of alkali in the solution.

Acid bluing involves a similar treatment. First, degrease the surface and dry thoroughly. Then, 2 g of tartaric and tannic acid are added to a liter of pure water, mixed and heated to 150 degrees.

The ax handle is placed in the solution for 17 minutes, then removed and rinsed with clean water. After that, they are immersed in engine oil for an hour. At the end, wipe with a rag and dry in the open air.

The oldest and simplest method is considered to be thermal burnishing of metal. The result is achieved by heating. The color after processing directly depends on the temperature:

1. 220–229 - covered with a pale yellow bloom.
2. 230-255 - yellow-golden or yellow-red.
3. 256-280 - lilac or purple.
4. 281-295 - blue.
5. 296-320 - dark blue.

To work, you will need a gas hair dryer, pliers, rags, a bath for car oil and a liquid in the amount of half a liter. You will also need a dry cloth. Using a hair dryer, the part is heated to a certain temperature, then dipped in oil and held for several minutes. Take out, blot with a napkin and dry.

The procedure must be repeated three times.

Recently, burnishing has been used as a decorative finish, as there are special anti-corrosion solutions that protect the metal from destruction. When self-processing at home, follow the advice of professionals and follow safety precautions.