Rust on chrome?

**C6FETISH** · 05-31-2004, 11:25 AM

Seems I have a dilema. I replaced some bolts on my bike for some chrome ones and noticed after a couple of weeks that they seem to be rusting in the hole where the screwdriver or allen wrench would go. Anything I can do to clean and prevent further rusting in future. Since this is a Harley I would perfer to not replace if I can since they like to jack up the prices on such parts?

I was also under the impression that chrome didnt rust?

**Buick_guy** · 05-31-2004, 11:42 AM

Chrome rusts. I used a chrome polish, and it got most of the rust off of our 16 foot speed boat. After that, they didn`t seem to rust for about 1 year, then I reapplied it since it seemed to be coming back in a few spaces.

**forrest@mothers** · 05-31-2004, 02:21 PM

It`s not the chrome that`s rusting, it`s the substrate. Most likely, the bolts are chrome plated steel.

Try using stainless bolts instead, and they won`t rust.

You can remove the rust, but it`ll come back because it`s where the chrome plating has been broken away from the bolt by the tool used to install them.

**Bill D** · 05-31-2004, 03:37 PM

Would a sealant of any kind at least delay rust after it`s removed?

I use some stuff that dries to a sort of clear shellac called Weatherpruf by Kano labs. It could be poured in a cup and lightly brushed on even.

**forrest@mothers** · 05-31-2004, 07:56 PM

You could try clear fingernail polish as well.

**Matt M, PA** · 06-01-2004, 09:33 AM

Another vote here for stainless. It can be polished to look like chrome but won`t rust.

Here`s the problem with chrome and fasteners. Most likely, they do not use a high strength steel. When the fasteners are used, the area where it is torqued...like the screwdriver slot, allen wrench slot, or lug nut sides....are deformed a bit and the chrome looses it`s adhesion (to a degree). Moisture gets between the chrome and metal...rust.

FWIW..McGard is a company that offers a lifetime guarantee on lugnuts as they use a hardened steel.

For Stainless, you may be able to get what you need from McMaster-Carr or Gardner-Wescott.

**foxtrapper** · 06-01-2004, 10:42 AM

I was also under the impression that chrome didnt rust? [/B]

Like another said, chrome doesn`t rust, the substrate does.

In the case of nuts bolts and screws, it`s a result of poor chrome plating (thin, poorly applied, etc), and damage you do to it with the fastening tool.

You can slow down the rust with a clear wax. I used to use one of the clear kitchen polishes, and it did a so-so job of slowing down the rust.