Feed ramp polishing without a dermal tool

[Kenk]

Evening Folks, So if I wanted to polish the feed ramps on some of my pistols (don't currently have a dermal tool), is this realistic if I'm willing to take the time doing it by hand. If it is possible / realistic, could I get the needed supplies at a hardware store?, and if so, what exactly would I ask the salesperson for?, as well as any specific details on polishing correctly. This would be done to enhance reliability, rather than for esthetic purposes
Thanks in advance

Ken

[terdog]

A drill with a conical polishing bit would work. Remember to go easy. As far as media, just about any metal polish. I use MOTHERS POLISH. HARBOR FREIGHT has some small kits for metal polishing. You can also do Amazon.

I also polish the barrel that shows through the cutout in the slide. Add some "bling".

[Graybeard]

https://us.dremel.com/en_US/products/-/show-product/tools/422-felt-polishing-cone

https://us.dremel.com/en_US/products/-/show-product/accessories/dremel-401-mandrel

https://us.dremel.com/en_US/products/-/show-product/accessories/dremel-421-polishing-compound

The links above are the basics from Dremel, without the tool, for polishing. There are other shaped polishing accessories, but the cone works great for feed ramps. You could use a drill, but a Dremel is much faster. They're also lighter and easier to control.

Here are some other options for polishing compounds. https://www.aaabrasives.com/4-piece-polishing-compound-kit-black-brown-white-red-6-oz-ea?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgdLCzZ_97QIVAp-GCh2ysQYjEAQYAyABEgKMv_D_BwE

Black is the most abrasive and works well on steel. A light touch with the black and then red (aka jewelers rouge) will usually do it.

I really would suggest getting a variable speed Dremel tool. They work on speed, not torque. It's easy to tell if you're bearing down too hard while polishing if the tool bogs down.

[Kenk]

Perfect, Thanks guy's

[therognp]

For those with time and patience a couple of small dowels and some fine emory cloth, fine wet or dry sand paper can do a very acceptable jpb with little fear of overdoing. And if you would like to ice that cake you can finish the project with crocus cloth.
Wrap the abrasive around the end of a suitable piece of dowel and have at it. Try to follow a random patterns as to avoid dimensional changes. Most of these abrasives do a vastly better job when used wet. Mineral spirits and ATF make a good medium.

[Kenk]

Thanks guys!

[BEEMER!]

For those with time and patience a couple of small dowels and some fine emory cloth, fine wet or dry sand paper can do a very acceptable jpb with little fear of overdoing. And if you would like to ice that cake you can finish the project with crocus cloth.
Wrap the abrasive around the end of a suitable piece of dowel and have at it. Try to follow a random patterns as to avoid dimensional changes. Most of these abrasives do a vastly better job when used wet. Mineral spirits and ATF make a good medium.

That is how I have always done it.  Finish up with a little Mother's Mag Polish and she will shine.

[10_fan]

KENK, ive been an armorer for over 30 years, i recommend this set for your ramp fixes, it has assorted types of heads for the ramp cleanup, i use clover lapping compound at the start to remove the machine marks then move to 3m polishing compound to remove the scratches from the clover, the final pass i use a clean felt or cowhide bit and 3m carnauba wax, the wax will penetrate preventing rust and last a while to ease feeding with a very slick surface, hope this helps brother


https://www.amazon.com/Polishing-Grinding-Wheels-Cowhide-Shank-100/dp/B00Y4O7DXU/ref=asc_df_B00Y4O7DXU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309807921328&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4036191996043449125&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011800&hvtargid=pla-570008446251&psc=1

[Kenk]

Thanks my Friend!