cleaning hinge pin recess

[Jeff Davis]

Can anyone recommend a method of cleaning the hinge pin recess that isn't too aggressive but will get rid of the crap that's built up in there? My newly acquired VHE has some buildup in there- I don't know if its actually rust or just 80 years of buildup from non- thorough cleanings. a soft brush with CLP isn't getting it done- I don't want to clean it so aggressively that's is nice and bright and sticks out like a sore thumb - but I'd like to see it nice and smooth. I was thinking maybe a dremel with a brass brush running at a low speed? Or maybe I should just leave it alone?

[Dean Romig]

Hoppe's No. 9 with a piece of Frontier Pad should do the trick. The Frontier Pad looks very aggressive but it can be used on bluing and case color without any signs of abrasion.

[Jeff Bonadurer]

Tooth brush with WD-40 and Q-tips should get out even stubborn gunk.

[Richard Flanders]

Hoppes #9 if it's not too bad... lacquer thinner on a Qtip if it is. And round toothpicks... never any kind of metal point... never ever ever. Tooth brushes are generally not enough in that recess and won't clean out the slot on the one side. You may go through a bunch of toothpicks but you will never scratch the metal and it won't take you very long to get all the hardened gunk out. Every Parker I have has gotten this treatment.