Is this RDA still safe to use?

[Maaszn]

First of all, hello!

I was wondering if my friend's super worn out Brass Goon rda is still usable. It's never been polished and the insides are discolored and dark from old wicks and juice that's been sitting in it. I cleaned it, but it stayed the same. I'd like to add that it's Brass that is often alloyed with Zinc which is toxic at certain temperatures. I've read that people should avoid Brass in attys. I don't know how true that is.

 

[GBalkam]

Brass or silver polish and a q-tip (cotton swab), rinse very well afterward to remove all traces of the cleaner.
It might not be pretty, but it was free.
Unless you get the tank red hot, I wouldn't worry about zinc. If you do get it red hot, you have bigger things to worry about than zinc.

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

I guess my question would be at what temp does the zinc and/or the brass begin to cause problems? I would think they would have to be very hot to start to vaporize metal, and probably way too hot that vapers would never even reach those temps.

 

[melodiousThunk]

Hey there!

The posts and clamps are gold-plated, so you're good there. I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I if I remember correctly from a couple of years ago, the main concern with brass attys is the possibility of lead leeching out of brass when repeatedly exposed to hot temperatures. The consensus seems to be that the temps involved in vaping aren't high enough to cause major leeching. But I'm not a metallurgist and I expect that some ecf vet will be able to give you better, more detailed info.

Personally though, if your friend had gifted me that Goon, I would probably vape it. Thousands of people are vaping brass goons, and 528 Customs makes good products afaik. The tarnish would be my biggest concern. I would probably polish it *really* well, wash it thoroughly, and throw it in the ultrasonic cleaner. After that I'd probably build it and see if it tastes funky. But that's me.

Caveat: I'm assuming the RDA is authentic judging from the single coil airflow and the detail and execution of the logo. If it's a clone though, I don't have enough information to give you an answer.

 

[GBalkam]

Brass can contain up to 2% lead as an alloy. Basically, don't suck your atty like a hard candy. Licking it a couple times a day is ok, if that's your thing.
As far as a bit of tarnish goes.. if soapy water and metal polish didn't remove it, vape juice sure as hell isn't gonna do it.

*I worked with pewter every day for 5 years. Pewter has a far higher lead content. No traces were found in my annual lead testing. And I was literally handling thousands of pounds a day.* (Also I did splash a bit on the front of my pants once, causing me to do an instant parts inventory. Everything accounted for.) *Pretty sure I heard a little voice down there say "EEEEKK" when it happened*

 

[Maaszn]

Thanks for all the replies! I don't have anything to polish it right now, so I tried the ketchup method for 10 minutes. It helped a little. I shall try vaping it. If there's a metallic taste, I might just put it aside.

 

[GBalkam]

Thanks for all the replies! I don't have anything to polish it right now, so I tried the ketchup method for 10 minutes. It helped a little. I shall try vaping it. If there's a metallic taste, I might just put it aside.

You might try toothpaste and baking soda. I've heard of that used as a metal polish. Cant say I tried it though. Metal polish is fairly cheap. Apparently that CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust remover will also work) if you have any. Silver polish is likely better though. (or brass polish)

 

[Maaszn]

You might try toothpaste and baking soda. I've heard of that used as a metal polish. Cant say I tried it though. Metal polish is fairly cheap. Apparently that CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust remover will also work) if you have any. Silver polish is likely better though. (or brass polish)

I'll look around the store next time I go. I actually think it's growing on me as is. It's giving off a vintage feel. lol

 

[Bunnykiller]

if zinc is toxic, then why is it found in a pill in the health and vitamin department of stores???

 

[GBalkam]

if zinc is toxic, then why is it found in a pill in the health and vitamin department of stores???

and inside food cans. It prevents the can from rusting and tainting the food.

 

[daviedog]

Actually lead was added to brass to improve machinability, up to 3.8%.

Cali passed a law 15 yrs ago to reduce lead content to 1.5%. For Keys! Melt temp in the low 600°s F. I used to make bullets.

There is a hazard in lead, should not be taken lighly.
Today, silicon is being used instead of lead.
But Not a law.

The Question, what does your brass contain?..

 

[mongo74]

Have any coca cola? You can always leave it in a cup of it for a little while.

My only concern would be using it on a mech with a build too close to its sleeve. If the coil were to arc from it, you would definitey produce toxic vapors as the zinc in it is vaporized by electrical arcing.

 

[SteveS45]

Simple metal cleaner I have seen as one of those kitchen items you can try is plain Coke or Cola. If you do you a metal polish or the like rinse well.

Good Luck and Vape On Safely!

 

[GBalkam]

Actually lead was added to brass to improve machinability, up to 3.8%.

Cali passed a law 15 yrs ago to reduce lead content to 1.5%. For Keys! Melt temp in the low 600°s F. I used to make bullets.

There is a hazard in lead, should not be taken lighly.
Today, silicon is being used instead of lead.
But Not a law.

The Question, what does your brass contain?..

True, the hazard of lead shouldn't be taken lightly, but it should also not be taken out of context or exaggerated. To put it in context, round up all the brass in your house and put it in a basket. Now, compare that to the pewter I used to handle which contains lead (reduces the melting point). When I left the company, I was a trainer, so i actually did all the jobs in the processing, handling easily 2000+ pounds per day. Now we know lead causes brain damage, but after 5 years, I am no more stupid than i was when I started. LOL.
BTW.. apparently, modern brass no longer contains lead, from one source, while others stated it is still used in plumbing fittings.

If you are worried about vaping lead in your vape.. keep in mind..Its boiling point is 1749 °C (3180 °F).

 

[Topwater Elvis]

I'd be more concerned with the positive post insulator if it is as you say " super worn out ".

Just me, I avoid brass, nickle, chrome plating & mystery metals.

 

[zoiDman]

First of all, hello!

I was wondering if my friend's super worn out Brass Goon RDA is still usable. It's never been polished and the insides are discolored and dark from old wicks and juice that's been sitting in it. I cleaned it, but it stayed the same. I'd like to add that it's Brass that is often alloyed with Zinc which is toxic at certain temperatures. I've read that people should avoid Brass in attys. I don't know how true that is.

I Wouldn't use something like that.

Especially when there are So Many SS RDA's out there that can be Purchased for about the cost of 2 Packs of Smokes.

But's that's just Me.

 

[Maaszn]

I'd be more concerned with the positive post insulator if it is as you say " super worn out ".

Just me, I avoid brass, nickle, chrome plating & mystery metals.

The post isn't as bad. The only parts that show wear are the plates above the posts that hold the coil down.

 

[Maaszn]

I Wouldn't use something like that.

Especially when there are So Many SS RDA's out there that can be Purchased for about the cost of 2 Packs of Smokes.

But's that's just Me.

You're right, but a lot of people use the Brass Goon. I've seen the praise for these. I'd like to utilize it because it was given to me. If I was buying a brand new one, I would've went with the stainless steel.

 

[zoiDman]

You're right, but a lot of people use the Brass Goon. I've seen the praise for these. I'd like to utilize it because it was given to me. If I was buying a brand new one, I would've went with the stainless steel.

I would just look at all those Metal Oxides in that Drip Well and have a Hard Time putting an e-Liquid in it.

Because some Metal Oxides are kinda Nasty Actors.

But once again... That's just Me.

 

[GBalkam]

I would just look at all those Metal Oxides in that Drip Well and have a Hard Time putting an e-Liquid in it.

Because some Metal Oxides are kinda Nasty Actors.

But once again... That's just Me.

Yeah, we talked about that earlier. OP is going to clean them up.