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Q&As since 1989


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Removing stainless steel pitting

I have a 220 lb floatire washex washing machine that has developed some pitting on the inside drum. It is causing garment and linens washed in the machine to have the thread pulled causing fabric damage. We wish to remove the pitting yet as it is not a easy fit inside the machine, we feel that heavy power tools may actually worst the situation.

Scott Donaldson
laundry systems - Brompton, South Australia, Australia
2005

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First of two simultaneous responses --

You have to use high speed rototools with sandpaper flap wheels and give it several passes each with smaller grit size to desired finish. It may even require a final hand finish with wet or dry sandpaper.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2005

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Second of two simultaneous responses -- 2005

Question one is what caused the pitting? If you polish out all of the pits, what will prevent additional pitting?
I am not aware of anything that will reduce the roughness of the pits other than polishing (which can include sanding and burnishing). I have absolutely zero point zeo idea of the shape or configuration of the tub or the depth or quantity of the pits so it is impossible to say much about the temporary fix for your problem. I will guess that small hand grinder working on each pit will be required, followed by some type of polishing.
You will probably come out ahead by replacing the tub and trying to find one that is more pit resistant.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida