scratches on stanchions

[T-Bob]

So I've seen a set of Fox 36's at a great price but one of the stanchions has small scratch on it. Now, I've always avoided any forks with any marks on them as a matter of course but there seems to be more and more vid's on you tube showing how to polish them out and make them fine. 

 

What are the thoughts? Run screaming or doesn't make a difference if it's not leaking / damaging the seals?

[T-Bob]

Here is the scratch. 

[BaGearA]

if they cause oil leaks from the wipers I would avoid 

 

But  i wet sanded a scratch on one of my forks ( 3000 grit ) just for piece of mind 

[BaGearA]

Here is the scratch. 

Can you inspect it yourself ? If you can't hook A finger nail in it then go for it 

[T-Bob]

Can you inspect it yourself ? If you can't hook A finger nail in it then go for it

Can't check it in person. Will have to weigh up if the price is worth the risk.

[droo]

As long as there's nothing sticking out that could damage the seal I wouldn't stress too much. If there is, do as Bageara suggests and change the wipers. It may be an idea to do an extra lowers oil change between services as a precaution though.

[T-Bob]

As long as there's nothing sticking out that could damage the seal I wouldn't stress too much. If there is, do as Bageara suggests and change the wipers. It may be an idea to do an extra lowers oil change between services as a precaution though.

Thanks Droo... you know I'll be giving it straight to you to work your magic!

[T-Bob]

As long as there's nothing sticking out that could damage the seal I wouldn't stress too much. If there is, do as Bageara suggests and change the wipers. It may be an idea to do an extra lowers oil change between services as a precaution though.

 

Seller response: 

 

“Completely understand. I’m the same way about stanchions. I haven’t tried the finger nail thing, but that is a good idea. I will when I get home. I do know that my mechanic did his magic on it right after I scratched it. I’m not exactly sure what he did, whether or not he used really fine wet/dry sandpaper or what right on the scratch. He didn’t use finger nail polish which I’ve heard some people do. All I know is I’ve checked the pressure on my pump and it is the same after a hard ride as before. Please let me know if you have any more questions. And I will get back with you on on the finger nail test.”

 

“My nail does drop slightly. Just checked.”

 

On balance, it's probably best left then without being able get touchy feely in person.  

[Wil6]

Had a FOX kashima that also had a nasty scratch from falling directly on a rock.

 

I lightly sanded mine with a very fine grid sanding paper with water as lube. Then applied very thin coat clear nail polish. After two years it's still running perfectly, with no wear on the seal or stanchions. 

 

Edit : Black nail polish will work a charm

[Stephan123]

Meguiars Scratch X2.0 works really well.

 

[Eddy Gordo]

[Eddy Gordo]

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/sendhit-announces-stanchion-scratch-repair-kit.html