Title

AS 1627.2-1989 Metal finishing - Preparation and pretreatment of surfaces - Power

tool cleaning

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AS 1627.21989

Australian StandardR
Metal finishingPreparation and
pretreatment of surfaces

Part 2: Power tool cleaning

This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee MT/9, Metal Finishing. It was
approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 6 October 1988 and published
on 13 March 1989.

The following interests are represented on Committee MT/9:

Aluminium Development Council
Australasian Institute of Metal Finishing
Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
Confederation of Australian Industry
Department of Defence
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Metal Trades Industry Association of Australia

Royal Australian Chemical Institute
Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia
Telecom Australia
University of Queensland

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to
periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary. It is important
therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto.
Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue
of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine The Australian Standard, which
subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of
withdrawn Standards.
Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are
welcomed. Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without
delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 86026.

AS 1627.21989

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Australian StandardR
Metal finishingPreparation and
pretreatment of surfaces
Part 2: Power tool cleaning

First published as AS CK9.21967.

Revised and redesignated AS 1627.21975.
Second edition 1989.

PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140
ISBN 0 7262 5383 9

PREFACE

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This Standard was prepared under the direction of the Standards Australia Committee on
Metal Finishing to supersede AS 1627.21975, Code of practice for preparation and
pretreatment of metal surfaces prior to protective coating, Part 2: Power tool cleaning of
steel surfaces.
This Standard is one of a series of Standards covering the preparation and pretreatment of
metal surfaces used in metal finishing. Others in the series are as follows:
AS
1627.0 Method selection guide for preparation and pretreatment of steel surfaces.
1627.1 Cleaning using liquid solvents and alkaline solutions.
1627.3 Flame descaling.
1627.4 Abrasive blast cleaning.
1627.5 Pickling steel surfaces.
1627.6 Phosphate treatment of iron and steel surfaces.
1627.7 Hand tool cleaning of metal surfaces.
1627.8 Wash primer pretreatment of metal surfaces.
1627.9 Pictorial surface preparation standards for painting steel surfaces.
1627.10 C l e a n i n g a n d p re p a r a t i o n o f m e t a l s u r f a c e s u s i n g a c i d s o l u t i o n s
(nonimmersion).
The methods described in this Standard apply to metal prior to painting where the paint
system is suitable for short term and medium term exterior protection as defined in AS 2312,
Guide to the protection of iron and steel against exterior atmospheric corrosion.

CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION 1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6

SCOPE AND GENERAL

SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SURFACE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 2.

4
4
4
4

METHODS OF OPERATION

GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
EQUIPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PRELIMINARY CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PROCEDURE FOR POWER TOOL CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FINAL CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6
6
6
6
6
6

APPENDIX A. PURCHASING GUIDELINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AS 1627.21989

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FOREWORD
Power tool cleaning may be satisfactorily employed where the nature of the work does
not demand the removal of all millscale and rust on steel and corrosion products. In
such cases the specifying authority may require the removal only of loose millscale
and rustall rust, scale and paint which is not firmly adherent. Tightly adhering
millscale and rust in deep pits will not normally be removed by this method, and where
complete removal of millscale is required, abrasive blast cleaning or pickling should
be used. However, it is possible by means of a combination of tools to remove all
visible rust, welding scale and paint from a surface.
Power tool cleaning is particularly suitable where for reason of size and location of
steel structures limitations exist on the use of other methods of surface preparation.
There is no restriction on the use of the method prior to painting where steel structures
are used internally in buildings. Light metal surfaces require careful power tool
cleaning to avoid undue removal of metal. Nevertheless, these processes should not be
used for surface preparation of such structures as boilers or pipelines, due to the
possibility of damaging the surface.
Care is necessary in the use of power tools. Excessive roughening of the surface
should be avoided because ridges and burrs with sharp edges may not be protected by
a proper thickness of paint film and early failure results. Excessive wire brushing may
createa burnished, smooth slick surface to which paint will not adhere. Excessive use
of needle guns on steel surfaces may burr over the edges of corrosion pits, entrapping
the corrosion products and making subsequent early failure of the paint system likely.
Needle guns should not be used on light metal surfaces.
Power tool cleaning is usually less expensive than hand tool cleaning and, if properly
carried out, provides a better foundation for paint. Normally, only short to medium
term protection can be afforded by painted surfaces prepared by power tool cleaning
or hand tool cleaning.

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AS 1627.21989

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Metal finishing

Preparation and pretreatment of surfaces

Part 2: Power tool cleaning

SECTION 1. SCOPE AND GENERAL

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1.1 SCOPE. This Standard sets out procedures and

equipment recommended for the removal by use of
power driven tools of visible rust, millscale, corrosion
products and loose or flaky paint prior to painting or
repainting. The Standard also sets out standards of
surface preparation.
NOTE: Appendix A contains advice and recommendations on
information which should be suppli ed by the purchaser at the
ti me of enquir y or order.

1 .2 R E F E RE N C E D DO C U M E NT S . T h e
documents below are referred to in this Standard.
AS
1337
Eye protectors for industrial applications
1627
Code of practice for preparation and
pre-treatment of metal surfaces prior to
protective coating
1627.1 Part 1:
Cleaning using liquid solvents
and alkaline solutions
1627.8 Part 8:
Wash primer pretreatment of
metal surfaces
1627.9 Part 9:
Pictorial surface preparation
standards for painting steel
surfaces
1715
Selection, use and maintenance of
respiratory protective devices
1716
Respiratory protective devices
2312
Guide to the protection of iron and steel
against exterior atmospheric corrosion
1.3 DEFINITIONS. For the purpose
Standard, the definitions below apply.

of

this

1.3.1 Bright steelsteel which has a smooth surface

free from scale and harmful imperfections.
1.3.2 Detrimental burnishingthe polished or
glossy surface appearance produced by excessive or
prolonged use of a power wire brush.
NOTE: Such a surf ace does not provide a good anchor for paint.
A sli ght burnishing or polishing is unavoidable, and generall y
can be tolerated.

1.3.3 Power tool cleaninga method of preparing

metal surfaces prior to painting by removing loose
millscale, rust corrosion products and paint using
power impact tools, power grinders, power sanders,
power wire brushes or a combination of these tools.
1.3.4 Visible millscalemill oxide scale which can
be seen with normal or corrected vision.
1.3.5 Visible rustrust or corrosion products which
can be seen with normal or corrected vision.
1.4 SURFACE REQUIREMENTS. Rust, paint,
millscale, welding scale, slag and corrosion products
shall be removed to meet the required class of surface
preparation specified in Table 1.1 and Table 1.2.
NOTE: It is recommended that the metal be pri med as soon as
possible after cleaning and preferably on the same day.

Accessible parts of all partially enclosed metal

members shall be cleaned. Special attention should be
given to rivet heads, cracks, crevices, lap joints, fillet
welds and re-entrant angles using a combination of
equipment as required.
NOTE: Where metal surfaces wil l be inaccessible aft er assembly,
provision should be made to effect cleaning pri or to assembly.

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AS 1627.21989

TABLE 1.1
CLASSES OF SURFACE PREPARATION OF STEEL
Original surface
condition
Rust Grade A of
AS 1627.9unpainted,
millscale intact.

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Rust Grade B of
AS 1627.9unpainted,
millscale partially flaked
off.

Power tool
Grinders and
linishing
machines

Grinders,
linishing
machines and
impact tools

Rust Grade C of
AS 1627.9unpainted,
millscale mostly flaked
off, surface rusted.

Grinders,
linishing
machines, and
impact tools

Rust Grade D of
AS 1627.9unpainted,
no millscale present,
heavily rusted and pitted,
rust scale present.

Impact tools,
sanders,
grinders and
linishers

Bright steel
unpainted no rust
present

Sanders,
grinders and
linishers

Surface preparation class

Class 1: All loose millscale is removed and the
surface has a dull grey appearance.
Class 2: Most adherent millscale is removed. The
surface is roughened by the impact tool and has a
semi-bright (dull silvery) appearance.
Class 3: All visible millscale is removed, and the
surface has the appearance of bright steel (silvery).
This condition is only obtained by the use of a
power disc sander and impact tool.
Class 1: All loose millscale and visible rust are
removed and the surface has a dull grey and
slightly burnished appearance.
Class 2: Most adherent rust and millscale is
removed. The surface is roughened by the impact
tool and has a semi-bright (dull silvery)
appearance. Remaining millscale has a slightly
burnished appearance.
Class 3: All visible rust and visible millscale are
removed and the surface has the appearance of
bright steel (silvery). This condition is only
obtained by use of power disc sander and impact
tool.
Class 1: Slightly polished, light brown visible rust
staining.
Class 2: No visible rust, semi-bright (dull silvery)
surface appearance.
Class 3: All visible rust removed, bright (silvery)
steel appearance.
Class 1: All heavy rust scale removed. Surface
dark grey to black, slightly polished, rust present in
pits.
Class 2: All rust scale removed. Small amounts
present in deep pits. Dull silvery semi-bright
appearance, medium to dark grey in colour.
Class 3: All rust removed, bright steel silvery
appearance.
Surface roughened to provided a scratched or
whorled appearance.

AS 1627.9
reference

B St 2

B St 3

C St 2

D St 2

D St 3

TABLE 1.2
CLASSES OF SURFACE PREPARATION OF NON-FERROUS METALS
Original surface
condition
Previously painted or
unpainted with visible
corrosion.

Power tool

Surface preparation class

Wire brushes,
disc sander (see
Note 1), and
rotating, shot
studded flaps

Class 1: All old paint coatings and visible corrosion products

appear to have been removed, and the surface has a smooth,
bright, polished appearance.
Class 2: All old paint coatings and visible corrosion products
appear to have been removed, and the surface has a bright
scratched appearance. (See Notes 1 and 2).
Class 3: All old paint coatings and visible corrosion products are
removed, and the surface has a clean dull, slightly pitted
appearance.

NOTES:
1. Abrasive discs of 800 grade or finer are recommended; use of coarser discs can result in unacceptable loss
of parent metal. Disc sanders may also be fitted with spun synthetic attachments which may minimize
metal loss.
2. To avoid an undesirable mirror-like finish which offers poor paint adhesion, the disc should be held at an
angle to produce a scratched, whorled appearance.
3. Deep pits can be cleaned out by this method, but unacceptable loss of parent metal can result.
4. For new unpainted surfaces, etch priming may be sufficient preparation.

COPYRIGHT

AS 1627.21989

SECTION 2. METHODS OF OPERATION

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2.1 GENERAL. Power tools should be operated in

such a manner that burrs or sharp edges are minimized
on the surface and no gouges are made in the metal. If
such defects occur they shall be removed with sanders or
grinders or by any other appropriate method.
Excessive power wire brushing or incorrect angle of disc
sanding shall be avoided as detrimental burnishing of the
surface may occur.
Power cleaning tools shall be kept in good working
condition (see Clause 2.2(a)).
2.2 EQUIPMENT. Machinesfor operating power tools
may be driven by pneumatic, electric or other type of
motor. They may be rigidly mounted for semi-automatic
or automatic operation. Power tools consist of the
following types:
(a) Power impact toolscomprising power driven
needle guns, chipping hammers, scaling chisels,
rotary descalers or similar impact cleaning tools.
Care needs to be taken to keep cutting edges of
tools in effective condition.
(b) Power grinders, sanders, linishers and rotary
discs comprising power driven abrasive wheels,
discs, belts or papers. Abrasive surfaces shall be
reconditioned or discarded when they become
ineffective.
(c) Power wire brushescomprising power driven
rotary, radial or wire brushes. Brushes shall be
discarded when they are no longer effective.
2.3 PRELIMINARY CLEANING. Large deposits of
oil, grease, and similar soil should be removed prior to
the use of power tools. If necessary such matter can be
removed by preliminary cleaning in accordance with the
procedures specified in AS 1627.1.
Where the surfaces of weld runs are being cleaned,
soluble fluxes and fume deposits should initially be
removed by washing with water and scrubbing with
bristle brushes.
NOTE: Deeply embedded contamination may not all be removed
during a general cleaning.

2.4 PROCE DURE FOR P OW E R T OOL

CLEANING.
2.4.1 Fabricated metal sections prior to
erection. The metal surface shall be checked prior to
cleaning for contaminants. The information in Tables 2.1
and 2.2 should be used to select a power tool cleaning
method, which may also include a pre-cleaning
procedure. Select the quality standards required (e.g.
surface profile, visual class of surface cleanliness,
chemical contamination and residual dust).
2.4.2 Existing structures. The metal surface shall be
checked for contaminants prior to cleaning. The
information in Tables 2.1 and 2.2 should be used to
select a power tool method which may also include a
pre-cleaning procedure: select quality standards required
(e.g. surface profile, visual class of surface cleanliness,
chemical contamination and residual dust).
Existing structures will commonly have intact and
partially failed coatings. Chemical contaminants may be
external to the surface coating, impregnated in the
coating or at the steel to coating interface. Sound
strongly adherent coatings may be left undisturbed.

The condition of the existing surface coating is classified

into three types, as follows:
(a) Type 1Coating intact. Intact coatings over the
entire surface area which may be chalked and
eroded but with no underfilm corrosion. These
surfaces may be lightly abraded to remove dust,
scale deposits and the outer layers of chalked
coatings.
(b) Type 2Partial deterioration. Areas of corroded
metal surfaces may occur between areas of intact
coatings. The intact areas shall be treated as in
Type 1, while corroded areas shall be cleaned to a
specified class of surface preparation.
(c) Type 3Substantial deterioration. The entire surface
area is corroded, coated with chemically
contaminated coating, or has coating incompatible
with new coatings to be applied. The entire surface
shall be cleaned to a specified class of surface
preparation.
NOTE: In selection of the procedure to be used, the following
factors should be considered:
(i) Coatings over identifiable underfilm corrosion should be
removed.
(ii) Coatings impregnated with undesirable chemical
contaminants should be removed.
(iii) Coatings incompatible with new coating system should be
removed.
(iv) Water soluble contaminants will be more effectively
removed by wet abrasive blast cleaning.

2.5 FINAL CLEANING. Residual dust and loose

material shall be removed from the surface by using
vacuum, dry compressed air or brushing.
Visible oil or grease remaining on the surface after
power tool cleaning shall be removed using an
appropriate technique.
2.6 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
2.6.1 Health hazards. Health hazards associated with
power tool cleaning include the following:
(a) Particles of abrasive, dust or metal which could
penetrate the eye.
(b) Toxic fumes.
(c) Fire or explosion hazards.
2.6.2 Face and eye protection. Face and eye
protection shall be readily available to operators where
dust, metal and abrasive particle hazards are present (see
AS 1337).
2.6.3 Respiratory protection. Approved respiratory
protection devices shall be provided for use by operators
where dusts or other airborne particles can enter the body
through the respiratory system (see AS 1715 and
AS 1716).
2.6.4 Safe working guidelines. Where power tool
cleaning is used near flammable materials and fumes,
non-sparking tools shall be used.
NOTE: To avoid thermit reactions, power tool cleaning shouldnot be
used to remove paint containing aluminium pigment where
flammable materials or fumes are present.

2.6.5 Atmosphere. Where there is a risk of fire or

explosion, adequate precautions shall be taken to ensure
safety of personnel and equipment.
2.6.6 Ventilation. Adequate ventilation and purging of
flammable gases and vapours shall be provided.

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AS 1627.21989

TABLE 2.1
RECOMMENDED POWER TOOL USAGE AND INDICATION OF
SUITABILITY FOR USE ON STEEL
Power tool
Power wire brush
Needle gun
Disc sander
Angle grinder
Rotating shot-studded
flaps
Rotating toothed
washers
Orbital sander
Chipping hammer

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Unpainted,
Unpainted,
Unpainted,
Unpainted,

Suitability of power tool relative to original surface condition

Rust grade of As 1627.9
Pre-painted
Bright steel
steel
Grade A*
Grade B
Grade C
Grade D
No
No
No
No
No
Limited
(Note 1)
Limited
Limited
Limited
Limited
No
Limited
(Note 2)
(Note 3)
(Note 4)
(Note 1)
Limited
Limited
Yes
Limited
Yes
Limited
(Note 5)
(Note 6)
(Note 7)
(Note 4)
(Note 8)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Limited
Yes
Limited
(Note 5)
(Note 6)
(Note 7)
(Note 4)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Limited
No
Limited
(Note 9)
(Note 10)
(Note 11)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
(Note 5)
(Note 4)
No
No
No
No
Yes
Limited
(Note 1)
Limited
Limited
Limited
Limited
No
Limited
(Note 5)
(Note 9)
(Note 12)
(Note 4)
(Note 8)

millscale intact.
millscale partially flaked off.
millscale mostly flaked off, surface rusted.
no millscale present, heavily rusted and pitted, rust scale present.

NOTES:
1. Old paint coatings and very light rusting can be removed.
2. Some millscale removed, but impacting will occur.
3. Some millscale impacting will occur, and some rust will remain in pits smaller than needle diameter.
4. Surface rusting will be removed, but unacceptable metal loss will occur to clean deep pits.
5. Removal is possible, but in some cases is accompanied by unacceptable removal of parent metal.
6. Removal of both millscale and rust is possible, but some parent metal removal is likely, especially where
pitted.
7. Some surface rusting can be removed, but pits will not be cleaned.
8. Complete removal of old paint and surface rust is possible, but rust pitting removal may result in
unacceptable metal loss.
9. Removal of millscale and rust is attainable, but deep pits cannot be cleaned.
10. Surface rusting will be removed, but heavy rust scale will require considerable dwell time, and will cause
excessive wear and tear on the flaps. Scale will require removal by other means.
11. Old paint coatings and light to moderate rusting removed.
12. Some loss of metal may occur.

TABLE 2.2
RECOMMENDED POWER TOOL USAGE AND INDICATION OF
SUITABILITY FOR USE ON NON-FERROUS METALS*
Power tool
Power wire brush
Needle gun
Disc sander
Angle grinder
Rotating shot-studded flaps

Suitability of power tools

No
No
Yes
No
Yes

Rotating toothed washers

Limited

Orbital sander

Limited

Chipping hammer

No

Remarks

Care must be taken to avoid

excessive metal removal.

Not all corrosion will be

removed from pits.
Suitable only for removal of
excessively hard or thick paint
coatings. contact with metal
surface should be avoided.
Only suitable for removal of
some of the old paint film and
some of the corrosion products.

* Initial treatment for previously unpainted light metal surfaces is generally in accordance with AS 1627.8.
This Table is applicable for an original surface condition which had been previously painted, or unpainted,
with visible corrosion.

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AS 1627.21989

APPENDIX A

PURCHASING GUIDELINES
(This Appendix does not form an integral part of this Standard.)

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A1 GENERAL. Australian Standards are intended to include the technical provisions

necessary for the supply of products referred to in the particular Standard, but do not
purport to comprise all the necessary provisions of a contract. This Appendix contains
advice, and recommendations on the information to be supplied by the purchaser at the time
of enquiry or order.
Its aims are to avoid misunderstanding, and to result in the purchaser receiving satisfactory
products and service.
A2 INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE PURCHASER. The purchaser
should supply the following information at the time of inquiry or order:
(a) Method to be used.
(b) Class of surface preparation required.
(c) Treatments required for welds and steel defects.
(d) Requirements for the prior removal of grease and oil.
(e) Maximum delay allowed before coating application.
(f) Special requirements for particular site and weather conditions.
(g) Extent and location of areas to be cleaned.
(h) Location on structure.

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