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Nickel over brass-polishing recipe?

Posts: 1017 Threads: 349

I read recently about polishing the NOB hoops and lugs on the Leedy Concert snare project.

My efforts didn’t get terrific results: I cleaned them, and used metal polish and cleaner (“white Diamond”, regular ol’ chrome polish), and it all looked pretty good.

Then I took some pics to post here, and things looked dull, etc. in fact, now that I look at the picture again, it looks like the ‘before’ picture.

So I read about soaking rods, lugs, etc overnight in vinegar, then again overnight in Simple Green.

The vinegar idea is new to me. Does this process sound like it would leave the Nickel plating bright & shining?

This project is my first encounter with NOB. A good time to ask for advice!

Posted on 5 years ago
#1
Posts: 375 Threads: 36

I have the same question. This bracket is nickel plated something.

Posted on 5 years ago
#2
Posts: 1017 Threads: 349

If a magnet isn’t attracted to it, my bet is brass.

My answer ain’t definitive: Many others here have far more experience than I do!

Posted on 5 years ago
#3
Posts: 350 Threads: 33

The rims on that drum are Brass. Any plating (in my experience) on brass will continually shine and outlast plating on any other medium (if properly cared for). The tension rods are steel and the lugs are most likely pot metal. They will polish up and shine too, but you may have to spend twice the effort to see the results. I generally submerge dull or dirty parts in 100% Dawn (blue) for at least 24 hours and then scrub them with a soft bristle toothbrush under warm water, then thoroughly dry for polishing (however, I sometimes use a small brass bristle brush for threads). Another helpful trick is to use very sturdy, stiff Q-tips for getting the polish into tight areas, such as decorative trim and corners.

White Vinegar is an acid and is also very aggressive on rust but, 24 hours is the maximum because it will eventually go after the plating too. It's interesting to see the parts giving off bubbles after a few hours as they attack the oxide (rust).

1974-75 Rogers Starlighter IV New England White 13/16/22 (w/Dyna)
1964-67 Rogers Blue Glass Glitter 12/14/16/20
early Oaklawn Camco Blue Moire 12/14/20
1926 Super Ludwig 5x14
1960-ish Ludwig COB 5x14 Super Sensitive
1960-ish Ludwig COB 6.5x14 Super Sensitive
1970 Ludwig COB Cut-Badge 5x14 Supra Phonic

Looking for a Camco Aristocrat SD in Blue Moire!!
Posted on 5 years ago
#4
Posts: 375 Threads: 36

The part of the bracket that clamps onto the hoop is magnetic so I assume nickel on steel. The rest of the bracket is not magnetic so I assume nickel on brass. I’m going to give Dawn a try to remove the rust.

Posted on 5 years ago
#5
Posts: 727 Threads: 96

Nickel does not come out as shiny as chrome, no matter what you use. It smooths out the surface, which enhances the shine, but it still shows the worn away spots that were there before. Don’t be discouraged, it’s the nature of nickel. Some aged nickel is in better condition and will produce better results with a cleaning and polishing. I use Flitz, and get it at Ace Hardware. Sometimes double application produces better results, but always use 100% cotton cloths.

Drum Kits
1965 Ludwig Clubdate Oyster Blue
1966 Ludwig Clubdate Oyster Black
1969 Ludwig BB Blue Oyster Keystone Clubdate
1971 Ludwig BB Black Oyster
Early 60's Camco Oaklawns Champagne Sparkle
Posted on 5 years ago
#6
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

I use Cape Cod polishing cloths...

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 5 years ago
#7
Posts: 284 Threads: 66

I always use a buffing wheel on nickel with a little rubbing compound. You need to be careful not to take the nickel off but it is far better than simple polishing. See attached from my own 38 Leedy. BTW I know the lug box isn't nickel on brass but it came out well!

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"If 'A' equals 'success' in life then 'A' equals 'X' plus 'Y' plus 'Z' where work equals 'X', 'Y' is play and 'Z' is keeping your mouth shut" - Albert Einstein.


1920s 14"x5" Ludwig Super Sensitive Dual Snare
1957 6 1/2" x15" Slingerland WMP Concert King
1938 8"x15" Leedy Broadway Standard
1947-53 14x6.5" NOB Ludwig & Ludwig Universal
...plus a bunch of mismatched Slingerlands that collectively make a pleasing noise.
Posted on 5 years ago
#8
Posts: 1017 Threads: 349

Nicely done!

Posted on 5 years ago
#9
Posts: 668 Threads: 39

I have real good luck using Flitz green. Do not use vinegar on nickel.

Posted on 4 years ago
#10
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