Alum method for removing screw

[LittleWatchShop]

I have a rusted screw on the pallet bridge.  My plan is to mix up some alum solution and immerse the entire plate including the pallet fork.

Is the alum going dissolve the fork as well?  Something tells me "yes."

Maybe I can carefully arrange the plate vertically so that only the screw sees the solution.

Any thoughts?

[spectre6000]

Evaporust. Won't dissolve the screw, but will convert the rust. I've had good luck with it on a variety of things. Readily available to you down there. Grey bottle with a maroon label as I recall.

[LittleWatchShop]

1 hour ago, spectre6000 said:

Evaporust. Won't dissolve the screw, but will convert the rust. I've had good luck with it on a variety of things. Readily available to you down there. Grey bottle with a maroon label as I recall.

I will give it a try!

[JohnR725]

13 hours ago, LittleWatchShop said:

My plan is to mix up some alum solution and immerse the entire plate including the pallet fork.

Is the alum going dissolve the fork as well?  Something tells me "yes."

It would definitely dissolve the arbor is at steel. Whether or not you have a pallet fork that's going to be questionable probably another idea needs to be worked out.

[mikepilk]

In similar situations I have made a well around the screw with Rodico or blue tack to contain the alum solution.

If dipping part of the main plate - don't forget the dial screws, like I did !

[LittleWatchShop]

1 hour ago, mikepilk said:

In similar situations I have made a well around the screw with Rodico or blue tack to contain the alum solution.

If dipping part of the main plate - don't forget the dial screws, like I did !

This is a great idea.  In fact, I can build the dam on the other side of the plate!

[Nucejoe]

Do you think it would unscrew if the rust is dissolved?    If so try soaking in Coca Cola for 48hrs.

I use alum only to disolve the remainder of broken screws.

A five to ten minutes soak in vinegar may work too.  

Remember no ultrasonic though.

Regs

[spectre6000]

Why no ultrasonic on rust?

[LittleWatchShop]

14 minutes ago, spectre6000 said:

Why no ultrasonic on rust?

I think it is no ultrasonic on pallet fork.

[Nucejoe]

2 hours ago, LittleWatchShop said:

I think it is no ultrasonic on pallet fork.

Right.