Black oxide coated screws

[davebozell]

I didn't want to intrude on the other recent post about a source for slotted screws, but now that I have a bunch of them, I can't decide what to do about the black oxide coating.  Should I just leave it alone, or should I strip it/abrade it off and then re-brown them?  All suggestions are greatly appreciated. 

[Whaleman]

I have always felt the black oxide was a temporary treatment to keep rusting down during shipment. I find it not durable. Dan

[smallpatch]

Dave,

Definitely not a PC or long lasting finish.  It won't match any surface on any rifle you build, so I'd take it off.  It should wire wheel right off.

[davebozell]

Thanks for the replies.  Figured it was kind of a dumb question, but since I just spent a fortune (for me) on a little bag of screws, I figured I should ask.

[haddockkl]

You could try a soak in vinegar also, I have used that method to strip zinc plating from screws.

[gunmaker]

Comes right off when you rub it across a fine sand sponge...

[Turtle]

 I heat my bolt/screw heads and dunk them in oil. easy and I like the look. I imagine the black oxide would burn off?
                                               Turtle

[Long Ears]

Blacksmith Bolt tells you how to remove the black coating. Just call them. Bob