All posts by Alex Zaks

How to Remove and Prevent Rust from Deck Cable Railings

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Deck Cable Railings

Cable railings are some of the most attractive and functional options when it comes time to update your deck or patio. They offer a contemporary look without obstructing your view. This aesthetic and functionality does not come without a price, installation of cable railing systems can cost thousands of dollars depending on your installation.

Rust and Corrosion

However, when there is metal (even stainless) there is rust and corrosion. Most cable railing systems are comprised of aluminum or stainless steel. Specifically, the most common stainless alloys are Type 304 or Type 316, Type 316 tends to provide higher resistance to corrosion, but no metal is impervious to mother nature. Cable railings can rust in any environment, but fall especially susceptible in saltwater environments where corrosion is accelerated. If you have cable railings with early signs of rust, it is pertinent to remove it and apply a rust protectant ASAP.

Rust Removal

More often than not, rust begins in the areas where the cable comes in contact with the fitting. If it is too late and your cables/fittings are already showing early signs, or progressed rust, do not fear – there is a solution. The first thing you want to do is get a quality Rust & Stain remover, we recommend RustFree – a phosphoric acid based cleaner. Then get to work:

  1. Clean off affected area with a degreaser or soapy water and then dry.

  2. Apply the RustFree to the affected area – let it penetrate for 30 to 60 secs (depending on severity of rust).

  3. Take a Scotch Brite pad and scrub until all of the rust is removed.

  4. Neutralize the acidic RustFree with soapy water and dry.

Remember: Protect your eyes and skin from contact with this product. Direct spray can cause spotting on steel and cast iron surfaces. Immediately rinse off any accidental overspray on painted surfaces and clean thoroughly with soap and water. Do not use on anodized or black oxide hardware. Rust Free can dull painted and plastic surfaces. This product is not for use on polished cast iron surfaces and is not intended for spot cleaning table tops.

Rust Protection

To ensure you never have to remove Rust from your deck cables again, it is time to apply a rust & corrosion protectant. There are many rust protectants out there, but when it comes to longevity and performance – Boeshield T-9 is the best. This Boeing developed formula is the only recommended product by Cable Bullet along with other deck cable manufacturers.  Once you have your rust protectant, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the cable railing, posts, and tensioning components.

  2. Spray Boeshield T-9 on all metal parts (railing, post, tensioning components).

  3. Wipe off the excess and let dry.

  4. Repeat this process every 6-12 months. We recommend every 6 months if you are located in coastal environments or areas with high exposure to acid rain.

Remember: Avoid getting Boeshield T-9 on wood as it may stain. Also, Boeshield T-9 is flammable, so take care during application and storage.

For more information on RustFree & Boeshield T-9 head here. 

Best Uses for Boeshield T-9 Around the House

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Chances are you’re familiar with using Boeshield T-9 on your bike, boat, car, tools, or RV; but did you know about these savvy household applications? If you have an extra can of T-9 occupying your self, then put it to work with in your home!

1.) Door locks & Hinges

We all have that squeaky door that door that drives everyone crazy. The good news is that T-9 is extremely effective at fixing squeaky doors. Simply spray your hinges, let the solvents penetrate (30s), and then wipe off the excess. This will fix that squeak in a matter of seconds, trust me. This video demonstrates how quick this process really is.

Also, while you’re fixing that squeak,  spraying your locks prevents them from seizing and provides fluidity when locking/unlocking your door. If your key ever gets stuck, T-9 can also provide lubrication to help release your key from the lock. This can apply to any kind of lock (car door, trunk, pad, etc).

2.) Garage Door

There are countless moving parts on garage doors that are subject to wear and corrosion. If your garage door (like mine) sounds like it wants to be put out of its misery, it may just need some T-9. Start by cleaning off all of the hinges, rollers, chain, and springs. Then apply your T-9, let it penetrate (again about 30s), and wipe off. Thats it you’re done, your garage will thank you.

3.) Sliding Door

When we think of sliding doors, we think of people mindlessly running into them to comedic effect, but we should be thinking T-9. To keep your door sliding like it should: clean off the tracks and spray it with T-9. Do this on both the glass sliding door and your sliding screen door.

4.) Windows

Another problem home owners run into is windows becoming stiff and noisy. Whether you have crank windows or classic sliders, they are going to be subject to wear. The process is same as always: clean, apply T-9, and then wipe off!

5.) Lawn &Gardening Tools

T-9 can be used on your lawnmower blades to protect it from corrosion as well as preventing yard waste buildup. You can also use T-9 on your gardening tools to prevent them from rusting. If your tools (like this shovel) have already started to rust, I’d recommend using some RustFree and then applying T-9 to protect it .

6.) Outdoor Furniture

As you head outside to your porch or patio through your freshly T-9’ed sliding door, its now time to address your outdoor furniture. Your tables, chairs, umbrella stands, and grills are facing the elements 24/7, making them highly prone to rust. So, at the beginning and end of each season, apply some T-9 so your grill and umbrella stand don’t look like mine!

Bonus: bird feeder

That squirrel looks pretty guilty in this photo. A good way to keep squirrels off you bird feeder is to make the poll to slippery to climb with some T-9. The best part about doing this is that you get to watch some very confused squirrels attempt to climb your bird-feeder in hilarious fashion.

Moving parts on your car or truck that need lubrication

Automotive, ,

Cars and trucks break, it is just what they do. In more cases than not, you do not know that you need to fix your car until it breaks. Some of these fixes can seem like the smallest thing, that is until you get the bill. Not all of us are mechanics, but these simple lubrication tips will help your moving parts on your car or truck last longer and perform smoother.

10 Minutes | 5 Steps

Step 1: Battery Terminals

Problem: Corrosion causing your car not to start

If your battery terminals become too rusty, it can prevent the battery’s power from following between the cables. In some cases, corrosion can be so severe that replacing the battery, terminals, and cables is necessary; a costly solution.

Prevention: Spraying Boeshield T-9 on your terminals

In order to prevent rust and corrosion, it is important to spray your terminals with Boeshield T-9. This will protect for longer than other brands and prevent costly fixes down the road.

Step 2: Hood Latches

Problem: Hood will not open

If you have run into this problem, you know how frustrating it truly is. Overtime, hood latches can seize up from corrosion, this is extremely cumbersome when trying to get underneath to fix a different problem. Getting it to finally open up can be a grueling process that can be prevented.

Prevention: Spray T-9 on your hood latches and hinges (while your at it)

To keep your latch and hinges from seizing due to corrosion, hit them with a spray of T-9. Not only will this prevent rust from forming, it will lubricate the mechanisms; insuring it operates smoothly.

Step 3: Door Hardware

Problem: Squeaky Door Hinges

There is nothing more annoying in the world than a squeaky door hinge, well maybe I am exaggerating a little bit. Nonetheless, it is an unwelcome sound and something we want to avoid, especially on date night!

Prevention: Apply T-9 on all of your door hardware

A quick spray of T-9 on you door hinges will work wonders and eliminate that pesky squeak.

Step 4: Trunk Hinges

Problem: Truck will not open

This is debatably worse than your hood not opening. Many people use their trunks everyday, not being able to get into them is a big problem. This issue is caused by dirt/road grit, cold weather, or a complete failure of the lock cylinder.

Prevention: Coating trunk lids and Hinges with T-9

In the scenario that your lock cylinder has failed, chances are you are going to need a mechanic. This is another costly and highly preventable fix, spray T-9 on your trunk hinges and lock mechanism to ensure it opens every time.

Step 5: Sunroof Tracks

Problem: Noisy Sunroof

Dirt along with road debris will buildup on your sunroof tracks and cause unwanted noisiness along with other problems. Sunroof repairs are never cheap and prevention is easy.

Prevention: You guessed it, T-9

Make sure to begin by cleaning off your sunroof tracks using a degreaser, such as Simple Green. Next, lubricate the inner lip of the sliding rails to maintain a smoothly gliding sunroof. This is done by using a rag or paper towel with T-9 soaked into it and applying along the tracks.

Boeshield T-9 can also be used on your car or truck for:

  • Engine Compartments
  • Fender Wells
  • All Inner Sheet Metal
  • Undercarriages
  • Power Antennas
  • Engine Rust
  • Electrical Circuits
  • Aluminum Rims, Uncoated
  • Anywhere else on your vehicle that needs protection/lubrication!

Find Boeshield T-9 at these retailers! 

How to Protect your Boat from Corrosion

Marine Retailers, , ,

Living in the enemy

As we all know, water is the main catalyst for corrosion. Now, unless you’re some sort of weirdo, I am assuming that most of you use your boat in the water. Fresh water alone is bad enough, but once you incorporate saltwater; you can find yourself in a world of hurt. That being said, it is of the utmost importance to practice corrosion prevention. You do not want to be the guy with the rustiest boat in the marina, trust me.

Corrosion protection:

  1. After each use: clean with freshwater + a mild detergent (dish soap works fine) and ensure that metal areas are dry.
  2. Invest in a good cover to protect from the elements.
  3. Perform routine inspections in areas that are prone to corrosion.
  4. Find yourself a quality corrosion inhibitor, we recommend Boeshield T-9 .

Why Boeshield T-9:

Unlike other corrosion inhibitors, Boeshield T-9 cleans, lubricates and protects. Our high performance formula does it all. T-9 can be used to protect from corrosion on inboard and outboard engines, electronics, deck wiring, hardware, and more:

Above deck:

We recommend applying a light film on applications above deck. This entails spraying the T-9 and wiping off the excess. Once the solvent evaporates, it will leave a waxy film that will protect for 2-3 months in salt water.

Below Deck:

To protect from corrosion below deck, we recommend simply spraying it on and letting it dry. This is a thicker application and therefore will protect longer; roughly 6 months in salt water areas.

Get Boeshield at these distributors! 

How to Lubricate your RV in 15 Minutes

RV & Trailer Retailers, ,

Let’s Talk Preventative Maintenance

Lubricating your RV on a consistent basis is often overlooked and will cause problems down the road (no pun intended) if not done regularly. The last thing I want to hear when we get to the lake are those darn squeaky landing legs, followed by “you remembered to empty the waste tank…right?”. Now, I am sorry to say that I cannot (and will not) offer my services in the #2 department, but I’ll share some of my RV lubrication tips.

Where to Start:

Always begin with best product. Many people can get by using cheap lube, but you want to treat your RV with the best, right? So, I recommend using Boeshield T-9. From my experience, other products do not come close when it comes to penetration, moisture displacement, lasting rust protection and lubrication. Now, we have our lube… let’s get to down to business.

RV Lubrication Routine:

Follow this routine every 3-6 months. It is always better to apply T-9 on a more regular basis if you are using your RV frequently and in climates that cause higher rates of corrosion. Better yet, if you have a servicing schedule, this quick routine is a great addition.

Apply the T-9 to your:
  • Lock cylinders
  • Hinge points on steps
  • Stabilizer jacks
  • 5th wheel landing gear
  • Slideouts 
  • Door hinges 
  • Window tracks
  • Awning hardware
Remember to:
  1. Wipe off the areas you are applying T-9 on before application
  2. After applying T-9, exercise that area to disperse the lube properly

Also, this video done by Mark Polk over at KOA does an excellent job at demonstrating this routine:

Mark has many more RV tips/tricks on his blog so be sure to head their for some great content! For more information on what Boeshield T-9 can do your RV head here!

How to Lubricate Your Bike Chain

Bike, ,

Chain Lube! The Johnny D Method:

Make sure your chain is clean. Simply scrubbing it with a stiff bristle brush and Dawn dishwashing detergent will do nicely; rise throughly and wipe dry with a clean rag. No need to let it drip dry because T-9 works wonderfully to displace water.

Shift your chain to the smallest gear on the cluster where you can access it easily. I like putting it on where the chain is curved around and more of the inner bits are exposed.

At this point there are two schools of thought:

1.) A single drop of lube on each roller is more than adequate

2.) Soak that sucker and make it drip. Well, sort of…

I usually opt for school #2. Why? Because I tend to ride in the worst of environments where anything that gets on my chain and into my drive train will cause damage. This stuff isn’t cheap! Once the T-9 solvent evaporates after 6-7 hours (over night) my chain is coated with just T-9 paraffin and is protected on all surfaces. Once the chain is coated nicely, spin the pedals backwards and wipe the chain clean of any excess with a clean rag. I have a rag specifically for this purpose. Yeah, I have a T-9 rag; I’m a nerd that way. Then let dry. Overnight, remember?

A wet lube will remain sticky and collect all sorts of crud and corruption. That’s not happening on my bikes. Ever. No, sirree!

Now then, school #1 has it’s merits as well. If you tend to ride in clean, dry environments, then just the rollers and the insides of each plate needs lubrication. Follow up with a wiping with your T-9 rag and go to bed.

A throughly coated chain is protected inside and out for a few hundred miles. As you see fit, clean your chains and repeat the process!

Pro tip: I’ve seen folks lube up and happily show me right before a ride. Don’t do that; chains and drive trains can be costly!

Author: John A C Despres

Next from Johnny D “Winterizing your bike with T-9” But we’ll wait until the temps begin to drop a bit.