How to Polish Nickel Guns With Dremel Tools

The Dremel brand of electrically powered, rotary hand tools allow users to accomplish a variety of tasks, from cutting to drilling to polishing. In the case of the latter, these tools can polish glass, gems, smooth stone and metals, including the nickel plating that covers certain firearms. Doing so eliminates the tediousness of manually using a hand cloth and polish to remove smudges, fingerprints or wear and tear from use.

Things You'll Need

  • Soft-bristled wheel brush
  • Nickel polish
  • 2 microfiber cloths
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the weapon before beginning. Remove all ammo from the cylinder (for revolvers), the clip (for pistols) or from the chamber of any rifle or other gun. Safety is paramount when it comes to cleaning, click the chamber on the pistols to ensure the chamber is clear of any standing round. Once done, engage the safety on any type of weapon or remove the firing pin for peace of mind.

    • 2

      Load the end pin on your particular model of Dremel tool with a soft-bristled wheel brush; don't use a stiffer brush or you'll risk scuffing the nickel, which is considered a softer metal than polished steel, another metal used in firearm building. Wipe regular gun polish on the tips of the bristles on the rotary wheel with your fingers.

    • 3

      Lay a microfiber cloth on your lap or over a flat work table and lay the gun over the cloth. Hold another small cloth in one hand and use that same hand to brace the weapon as you work. Hold the Dremel in the other hand and start polishing at the barrel, working your way back to the grip.

    • 4

      Work in a small oval-like pattern over the length of the barrel, all around the entirety of the barrel. Turn the weapon as you go, and hold it with a cloth, which aids in keeping you from smudging your work with fingerprints.