Flame bluing

freekforge · Jun 27, 2021

In planning on pulling all the screws from one of my uberti SAA clones and fire bluing them. I've used brass shavings when I was in high school machining but I don't have the shavings and I don't want to waste any brass stock to make some. Has anyone used the sand or molten lead bath method? The lead bath seems like it may he the easiest but I'm not sure about the quality of the blue color.

Leadeye · Jun 27, 2021

I think the Colt fire blue was done by dipping parts in molten potassium nitrate. Midway has a good video on this using a Lee lead pot to do the job.

Mongo59 · Jun 27, 2021

Transmission fluid, not the new synthetic stuff, but the old stuff works great. Heat any screw for 5-8 seconds and dip into the tranny fluid, the color change is instantaneous.

Use some other screws you have around as a test run to see if it is the color you seek. Good luck and have fun.

freekforge · Jun 29, 2021

Might have to do some experimenting. Nitre salts are pretty pricey from brownells. I read about using stump killer too.

My bolt and trigger spring broke so now I've dove into a rabbit hole of modifying the gun while I wait for new springs

Mongo59 · Jun 30, 2021

If you can hold a hemostat, you too could have professional results with tranny fluid.

Wait, did I say that wrong?

Chewie · Jul 2, 2021

Mongo59 said:
If you can hold a hemostat, you too could have professional results with tranny fluid.

Wait, did I say that wrong?

Let's just say that that comment could be taken a couple of different ways, depending on your state of mind.

What state is your mind in? Asking for a friend.

freekforge · Jul 2, 2021

As a general rule I try to avoid a trannys fluids but I think I'll give it a try. I ordered a new screw kit for the cattleman and I'll experiment with the old screws and see what I can do.

JJ6187 · Jul 7, 2021

I used old non synthetic motor oil on some non gun parts in the past. Seemed to have a nice black color that stuck well. Not sure how well it worked from a chemistry/metallurgy standpoint but it achieved the look.

Slow Hand · Jul 10, 2021

I’ve done several with just tempering to draw them to the desired color. Chuck the screw up in a dril or lathe and polish the head. Hold with with some self locking tweezers and gently heat it over a propane torch flame until you get the desired color. Pull it out before it gets tot eh color you want or it may go too far. Your not hurting the strength of the screw since you’re only doing the head. If it goes too far, just re-polish and try again. You can get some beautiful fire blue colors Doing it that way.

Flame bluing

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