josegarcia8578 Posted October 22, 2014 Share #1 Posted October 22, 2014 Hey guys!I'm trying to clean up a M1923 Garand ammo belt but the snaps have green corrosion, how can you clean this? Any methods? also the small choles in which the canteen attaches also have green corrosion. I was looking for an old thread but I was not able to find it. I appreciate any help! Thanks!-Jose ASMIC Member #5540 Link to post Share on other sites
mvmhm Posted October 23, 2014 Share #2 Posted October 23, 2014 It's verdegris...it usually has a wax like consistency. I use a wooden toothpick(s) and gently remove it that way...it will remove the gunk without scratching the metal...after you get the majority of it off, you can wipe it with a clean cloth using firm pressure and the metal's patina should look fine....just be sure to not rub it into the cloth..... Mark sends Mark Conrad, MSgt, USAF (Ret) "Poor is the nation that has no Heroes...shameful is the one having them that forgets." The Miami Valley Military History Museum: http://www.mvmhm.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Miami-Valley-Military-History-Museum/111268115594349 Official Partner of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration: www.vietnamwar50th.com Official Partner of the United States of America World War I Centennial: www.worldwar1centennial.org Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Hudson Posted October 23, 2014 Share #3 Posted October 23, 2014 I start with a brass brush and then use the toothpicks for the detail work. Be sure to dig as far as you can under the snaps: there's a surprising amount of green gunk under there. Link to post Share on other sites
josegarcia8578 Posted October 24, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted October 24, 2014 Thanks for the advice guys. What if its not coming off, should I use vinegar or something else? ASMIC Member #5540 Link to post Share on other sites
1SG_1st_Cav Posted October 24, 2014 Share #5 Posted October 24, 2014 Scrape as much off as you can with toothpicks, or a toothbrush. Then pour baking soda on the verdigris areas, then pour white vinegar over the baking soda. It will foam up, so just let it work. Then scrub them with hot soapy water, rinse, and let them dry. Danny Forum Member #1691 since September 2007 Served in the US Army from 1960-80 First Sergeant (Retired) Vietnam 1967 with 7-15th FA ~ [8"/175mm Gun] First Field Forces Vietnam 1968 with 1-30th FA ~ [155mm] 1st Cavalry Division [AIRMOBILE] President & Historian 30th FA Regiment Association ( WWW.HardChargers.Com ) Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment in 2018 Link to post Share on other sites
David D Posted October 25, 2014 Share #6 Posted October 25, 2014 The way i do it is, dip a toothbrush into some white vinegar, touch a little baking soda onto the toothbrush then brush it then i use a tooth pick for the detailing. It works like a charm. -Dave Collecting WWI 26th Division Machine Gun and Infantry related Helmets, Equipment, Groupings, Photos and Dog Tags! Link to post Share on other sites
josegarcia8578 Posted October 25, 2014 Author Share #7 Posted October 25, 2014 Thanks guys, I went out to get the supplies today. I will be using a toothbrush with vinegar and baking soda to clean up the rivets. Will update some pictures once I finish. Hopefully it works. Thanks to all of you! ASMIC Member #5540 Link to post Share on other sites
josegarcia8578 Posted October 25, 2014 Author Share #8 Posted October 25, 2014 Do you guys know if the vinegar and baking soda stain the web gear canvas? Im cleaning a grand belt. Thanks! ASMIC Member #5540 Link to post Share on other sites
Ronnie Posted October 26, 2014 Share #9 Posted October 26, 2014 The Dremel Tool has a small brush that is shaped like a bell....sort of. The brush is almost the exact size as the eyeless on your belt. I clean it with that. It doesn't scratch the eyelet. You need to be careful though to not get onto the belt as it can rough up the webbing. I've gotten pretty good at cleaning them this way. Btw it doesn't scratch the eyelet because I'm not placing a lot of pressure on it. Practice on something funky until you get the feel. Ronnie Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now