Tiny scratches in the blueing

[Sid]

What is the best and easiest way to touch up really tiny scratches? The scratch is on the head of a screw on an adjustable rear sight on a pistol. I know it sounds trivial, but it is noticeable and it bothers me. Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

[RickB]

Cold blue will color the scratch, but if the surrounding metal has a matte finish, the scratch will only become a bright blue scratch that still "sticks out" compared to the surrounding metal.
The alternative would be removing the screw and refinishing the entire head to remove the scratch.
To fill the scratch, you might be better-off trying matte black paint.

 

[JimPage]

I would get a new screw.

 

[Kreyzhorse]

Yep.... get a new screw, otherwise any fix will be likely more obvious than before you fixed it.

 

[Ibmikey]

Take the pistol out and shoot it, common wear will produce other flaws as the parts mate and rub together -- then the screw will not bother you so much. Also changing a screw on most adjustable sights is not an easy task. Firearms are fun to shoot, leaving them in a safe so they willl not get a scratch is depriving ones-self of that fun.

 

[cptjack]

black sharpie

 

[Skans]

Ditto the Sharpie for this kind of thing.

I've had great results with cold blue (paste), but it is a bit more difficult than it needs to be.

 

[CajunBass]

black sharpie

Or even better, a cold blue sharpie. They work great for small spots.

But personally I'd just live with it. It'll just get scratched again.

 

[UZO]

For minor scratches...

Birchwood Casey Presto Gun Blue Touch-Up Pen ($6)

 

[Sid]

I want to thank you guys for all of your help.