Rice Lake Cast Iron Weights ASTM Class 6

It is essential to clean weights before any measurements are made because the cleaning process may change the mass of the weight. Cleaning should not remove any significant amounts of weight material. Weights should be handled and stored in a such a way that they stay contamination-free. Before calibration, dust and any foreign particles shall be removed by brushing with a clean soft-bristle brush or gentle wiping with a non-abrasive lint-free wipe.

Care must be taken to not change surface properties of the weight (ie: by scratching the weight).

If the weight contains significant amounts of contamination that cannot be removed by brushing with a clean soft-bristle brush or gentle wiping with a non-abrasive lint-free wipe, the weight or some part of it can be washed with clean alcohol, distilled water or other solvents. Weights with internal cavities should normally not be immersed in the solvent to avoid the possibility that the fluid will penetrate the opening.

If there is a need to monitor the stability of a weight in use, the mass of the weight should, if possible, be determined before cleaning.

There are two different cleaning procedures for these categories of weight, depending on the material of the weights. Cast Iron weights are in Category 3 - Lacquered weights.

- Lacquered Weight Cleaning Procedure:

The cleaning of lacquered weights requires special care because their protective lacquer coating is soluble in most solvents.

1. Carefully brush or whip off any visible particles on the weight with a soft non-abrasive material free from oils and other substances that would contaminate the weights. The weights may also be brushed with a soft brush such as a camel hair brush.

2. A rubber bulb type syringe may be used to blow off lint or other small particles. Be careful not to touch the weights with the nozzle.