Author Topic: Does Anti-static spray work on gun powder? (Read 1207 times)

Santa Dave · « **on:** December 05, 2005, 06:43:35 AM »

I went & bought wonna them 'lectronic scales. I like it except for powder- the plastic has a charge and the ffg sticks to like it cat hair on a dark suit!
Anybody try antistatic spray yet?
Santa Dave

Double D · « **Reply #1 on:** December 05, 2005, 07:46:42 AM »

It is a pain isn't. I don't think I would us the anti static sprays. You do not know what kind of chemical reaction you might get between the spray and powder, even in trace form.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #2 on:** December 05, 2005, 08:10:55 AM »

Quote from: Double D

It is a pain isn't. I don't think I would us the anti static sprays. You do not know what kind of chemical reaction you might get between the spray and powder, even in trace form.

Anti-static sprays are conductive. I would try spraying them on the surfaces and containers - if they work there you don't have to treat the powder.

Double D · « **Reply #3 on:** December 05, 2005, 12:21:47 PM »

I'm not saying spray the powder. I'm saying that even in trace form sprayed on surfaces that powder is placed upon that there might be a chance of some sort of chemical action between the powder and spray.

For sure don't spray the powder

ShadowMover · « **Reply #4 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:10:28 PM »

Static is a pain in the can for everyone. Gunpowder manufacturers put graphite on the exterior or the powder grains to make them conductive, and keep the grains from going off. Try wiping the plastic tray or plastic items with a damp washcloth with a little dishwashing detergent in it. This will eliminate the charge in place, and may event prevent a new charge from building. You might try wiping the tray with some graphite lubricant powder. This will make the plastic tray conductive. You might have to coat both sides. I'm not an 'expert' but that's what I'd do. You want the static to be able to find a path to a ground. You can buy an anti-static mat at a computer store which has a wire which can be attached to an electrical ground. You can put your scale on the mat and it will keep you and the scales grounded.
If you really are serious you could raise the humidity in the room, and buy an anti-static machine, which has a fan which blows ions out to neutralize static charges.

jgalar · « **Reply #5 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:12:11 PM »

Try washing the plastic in water with a little dishsoap. Don't rinse it off, but just let it air dry. Don't know why, but it removes the static charge for me.

CU_Cannon · « **Reply #6 on:** December 05, 2005, 02:05:34 PM »

What if you put your powder on a piece of aluminum foil of even a piece of paper. Most scales can be zeroed out but if not you could just do the math.

pyro_tek · « **Reply #7 on:** December 05, 2005, 04:12:19 PM »

I've used anti-static spray regularly with good results. I use the spray on my clothing and on the surface of my work bench right before working with any static sensitive material. Always avoid spraying anything which will be in direct contact with BP to prevent contamination. I also recommend wearing a grounding bracelet connected to household electrical ground. These bracelets can be picked up for a couple bucks at Radio Shack. A few bucks spent to improve safety are a real bargain compared to a visit to the emergency room.

303smle · « **Reply #8 on:** December 05, 2005, 06:10:01 PM »

Lick it. (The tray, not the powder.) I know it sounds a bit bizarre, but it works with a meter face when the needle sticks due to a static build up.

Dictator · « **Reply #9 on:** December 06, 2005, 12:43:36 PM »

Quote from: Santa Dave

I went & bought wonna them 'lectronic scales. I like it except for powder- the plastic has a charge and the ffg sticks to like it cat hair on a dark suit!
Anybody try antistatic spray yet?
Santa Dave

Dave,
Try a product used in the plastics industry called "Brillianize". It's an anti-static, all-natural, surface polish that works great against static. It's not too expensive and works great for other things like motorcycle windshields, TV & computer screens, & makes it much easier removing bugs from the front of your car. It's used by many plexiglass fabricators or can be ordered direct @ www.brillianize.com or phone @ 800-445-9344. I tried it on my plastic powder funnel and completely removed any static cling and powder build up.

Joe

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #10 on:** December 06, 2005, 03:03:56 PM »

303smle-

WELCOME to the board!

Life is made interesting by EVERYONE's comments here. We'd love to see what y'all shoot - post some pictures!

303smle · « **Reply #11 on:** December 06, 2005, 06:05:21 PM »

Thanks for the greeting CW.

Afraid I don't have any thing to shoot yet, so no pictures to share. So far I've been watching DD shoot his and then beat the tall grass looking for the errant ball.

Cat Whisperer · « **Reply #12 on:** December 07, 2005, 12:53:17 AM »

Quote from: 303smle

Thanks for the greeting CW.

Afraid I don't have any thing to shoot yet, so no pictures to share. So far I've been watching DD shoot his and then beat the tall grass looking for the errant ball.

I understand the process. I shoot 4" pvc pipe (4.5" od) filled with concrete. THere are many fields and forested areas with short sections BURRIED just under the turf. Folks have reported that some years later they're still finding them.