Hello,
This thread originally began as a response to an older thread on the topic which recently popped to the top again. In adding something to it, my response eventually got so long and digressive that I decided to post it as a seperate thread. My intention is to bounce some of my thinking off your thinking, and see what I think in the end. Please do your best to change my mind, as I do love a challenge.
Earlier, I have read a number of the archived threads here on whether or not to oil a rusty helmet, since I have one myself with some rust. When I say "rusty helmet," I am talking about a helmet in decent condition, save for some amount of obvious rust. I am not referring to helmets that would be considered relics. In the threads I've read, some conclude, by consensus, that it is better to treat them with some type of oil. Yet others conclude, also by a consensus, that it is better to do nothing, and leave them as they are. As for what an advice-seeking beginner may decide to do, it could simply depend on whichever thread he/she happens upon in a search.
The arguments for doing something like applying oil are normally substantiated by the idea that they will otherwise just rust away--so something should be done, no matter what. The arguments for doing nothing normally insist that the oil itself will permanently alter and shine-up the appearance of a helmet that is intended to be dull (or certainly not shiny). The do nothing threads also remind us that doing anything to remove the rust involves abrading the helmet, further altering it, and making it less desirable and valuable. These are just paraphrases of a number of actual suggestions I've read.
However, on the other hand, isn't the rust altering it too? Of course, rust is a natural process but who wants it, and why is alteration by rust better than alteration by rust removal?
Ultimately, I chose to do nothing to my helmets to preserve them as they are, hoping that they will, in fact, stay preserved. I'm just currently trying to control the rust by monitoring humidity levels and keeping my helmets away from conditions which obviously promote problems.
So, in a seperate thread juxtoposing the two common positions, does anyone else have any additional arguments for which is the best to do? I'm still trying to decide if what I am doing is the best choice. I'd rather ask again now than be sorry later. Also, maybe in reading the previous, related threads, I missed an idea that is even better. Or maybe I'm just looking for another consensus to reassure myself.
Anyway, I would appreciate knowing how some of you have dealt with the dilemma of doing what's truly best for your rusty helmets.
Thanks in advance to all who may respond,
Chris
This thread originally began as a response to an older thread on the topic which recently popped to the top again. In adding something to it, my response eventually got so long and digressive that I decided to post it as a seperate thread. My intention is to bounce some of my thinking off your thinking, and see what I think in the end. Please do your best to change my mind, as I do love a challenge.
Earlier, I have read a number of the archived threads here on whether or not to oil a rusty helmet, since I have one myself with some rust. When I say "rusty helmet," I am talking about a helmet in decent condition, save for some amount of obvious rust. I am not referring to helmets that would be considered relics. In the threads I've read, some conclude, by consensus, that it is better to treat them with some type of oil. Yet others conclude, also by a consensus, that it is better to do nothing, and leave them as they are. As for what an advice-seeking beginner may decide to do, it could simply depend on whichever thread he/she happens upon in a search.
The arguments for doing something like applying oil are normally substantiated by the idea that they will otherwise just rust away--so something should be done, no matter what. The arguments for doing nothing normally insist that the oil itself will permanently alter and shine-up the appearance of a helmet that is intended to be dull (or certainly not shiny). The do nothing threads also remind us that doing anything to remove the rust involves abrading the helmet, further altering it, and making it less desirable and valuable. These are just paraphrases of a number of actual suggestions I've read.
However, on the other hand, isn't the rust altering it too? Of course, rust is a natural process but who wants it, and why is alteration by rust better than alteration by rust removal?
Ultimately, I chose to do nothing to my helmets to preserve them as they are, hoping that they will, in fact, stay preserved. I'm just currently trying to control the rust by monitoring humidity levels and keeping my helmets away from conditions which obviously promote problems.
So, in a seperate thread juxtoposing the two common positions, does anyone else have any additional arguments for which is the best to do? I'm still trying to decide if what I am doing is the best choice. I'd rather ask again now than be sorry later. Also, maybe in reading the previous, related threads, I missed an idea that is even better. Or maybe I'm just looking for another consensus to reassure myself.
Anyway, I would appreciate knowing how some of you have dealt with the dilemma of doing what's truly best for your rusty helmets.
Thanks in advance to all who may respond,
Chris
the helmet/medal/steel it will only make it worse i am a certified welder and deal with the stuff everyday keep it in a controlled environment and you will be fine i hope this will boost your confidence 
no need to stress
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