Instrument Care

Stainless steel has excellent anti-corrosiveness, but even so, may rust due to specific chemicals or various other conditions.

Examples of the Causes of Rust

• ・Adhesion of rust particles from worn water pipes or chlorine included in the water
• ・Reactions to specific chemicals
• ・Use of acidic water
• ・Immersion in dirty chemicals and disinfectants
• ・Corrosion from minute cracks (The inside of minute cracks are not rustproofed, so rust occurs easily.)
• ・Left in contact with rusty products (contact rust)

In particular, rust often tends to occur in the shielded, unseen parts of hinged instruments such as needle holders, dental extracting forceps, rongeurs, scissors, and pliers, etc.
Rust may occur in the concealed places even on instruments that look superficially clean when disassembled.
As rust and metal fatigue that are invisible to the eye progress, breakage may occur even with normal use.
The photos below are an example of rust progressing internally from minute crack, leading to breakage, even though the appearance is superficially clean.

Further, rust can also occur and progress due to the storage conditions even in instruments that are not used for a long time.
Both thorough washing and drying, and constant use of rustproof lubricants, not only prevents rust, but also enables the joints to move smoothly.
Further, make sure that when sterilizing, all joints remain in an open condition.