How remove nickel finish?

[Col. Harrumph]

I have always wondered if parts would interchange between blue and nickel finishes in the same gun; I supposed, without proof, that nickel plating a part would increase its dimensions. Well I'm glad to learn that for once, I wasn't wrong.

I'm working on a break top US Revolver that I've posted on here a few times already, I won't repeat those here. The gun was originally blued, and there are traces of that in various corners. But in searching for a few missing parts, mainly pins & screws, I'm finding some things are only available with nickel finish. These won't fit... just a tad too big. I hope that removing the nickel will restore them to "blued dimensions."

Is there an effective way to remove the nickel using at-home chemistry?

 

[boom boom]

Most copper removers used in firearm cleaning will remove nickel plating (usually a copper base is under the nickel surface for old school plating). That is why copper removal products usually have a warning not to use on nickel plated firearms.

There are other nasty ways to do it using noxious acids etc. but try the gentler methods first.

Now, when you remove the plating, you will find the steel etched (roughened) as part of the plating process. It will take a lot of polishing to get a really good surface for bluing which of course could affect your tolerances.

 

[Blue68f100]

I believe it can be done electrolysis. May contact http://www.caswellplating.com and see what they have to say, since they sell plating kits. There are 2 types of ni plating used, so it may be process dependent.

 

[Sarge7402]

Let the parts soak in Hoppe's number 9 for a day or so and all of the nickel should have pealed right off

 

[Blue68f100]

It doesn't work that way. Particularly since it was reformatted 15-20 yrs ago. It has to creep alone the exposed edge. Sweets which is a true copper solvent would attack it but it is not all that flowable.

 

[Jebb]

Let the parts soak in Hoppe's number 9 for a day or so and all of the nickel should have pealed right off

Hi,
Have you done that yourself?
Thanks!
I need to do that in a couple of parts!

 

[Sarge7402]

Hi,
Have you done that yourself?
Thanks!
I need to do that in a couple of parts!

Think I read it in an old article in shooting times. This was back in the days before stainless steel hand guns

 

[Blue68f100]

For it to work there must be some exposed Cu for it to get to. Then it only has the edge, so a very slow process. This of course if it had the Cu base to start with.