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The stainless steel of rigging and turnbuckles

I’s important to learn enough about maintenance of the stainless steel of rigging and turnbuckles.
In this guide we will talk about washing, passivation and pickling.

When steel products come into contact with air or water (aggressive environments), exposure conditions arise to which these steels react with the phenomenon of self-passivation.

Stainless steels are designed to self-passivate naturally

Self-passivation means that if we have a clean surface exposed to an oxygen environment , the rich surface layer of chromium oxide, regenerates itself thus producing the corrosion resistance of these alloys.
To keep clean surfaces ready for self-passivation, pickling can sometimes be used.
Pickling is the operation that is performed by chemical means on the surface of a ferrous metal to remove a layer of oxide and slag.

A clean, freshly machined, brushed or pickled piece of stainless steel automatically acquires an oxide film – caused by contact with the atmosphere (oxygen). Under ideal conditions, the protective oxide film completely covers all surfaces of the workpiece.

Pickling pastes are applied by spreading them with a brush on the surface; the paste is then removed by simple washing.

In conclusion

It is essential to keep steels clean to promote the phenomena described above.

The ideal cleaning is with frequent fresh water, aggressive or greasy products that trap slag should be avoided, and finally if necessary resort to professionals to pickle.