I have 7" flower nails and I wash them by hand but they are sort of discolored and look like they rusted a little. I used a scouring pad and it is still like that. Has this happened to anyone...is it safe...are there other nails other than the heating core?
TIA

This happened to mine too. Waste of money to buy them to use as heating nails when they're only good for one cake/washing...

happened to me too. i was taking the wilton course at the time so my instructor exchanged them for me. she's had hers for years and look perfectly new. mine on the other hand, were rusty after 1st use. she said she'd bring it up during her wilton meeting.

I have to assume through the years they've gone from Stainless Steel to something cheaper.

I've had the same thing happen to me. I've been wanting to try these:

http://www.pastrychef.com/HEATING-CORES_p_1992.html

I bought those from Ateco at ICES in Chicago two years ago. Couldn't find them online - so was anxious to buy more from Ateco when I was at ICES in Charlotte. I love them. They don't rust. I often use more than they recommend on the package.

Thanks Traci_doodle - I just bought them. Price is good at Sur L T.

Thanks Traci_doodle - I just bought them. Price is good at Sur L T.

If you use the Wilton metal flower nails as heating units then you need to make sure of a couple things. 1) Do not soak them in water, this makes them rust easier, wash right after you take them out of the cake. 2) After washing them, rinse and dry thoroughly, use a dry cloth to get them dry or they can rust. I've used mine for years by doing it this way and I do not have rust on them. Oh, don't put them in the dishwasher either.
evelyn

If you use the Wilton metal flower nails as heating units then you need to make sure of a couple things. 1) Do not soak them in water, this makes them rust easier, wash right after you take them out of the cake. 2) After washing them, rinse and dry thoroughly, use a dry cloth to get them dry or they can rust. I've used mine for years by doing it this way and I do not have rust on them. Oh, don't put them in the dishwasher either.
evelyn

If you use the Wilton metal flower nails as heating units then you need to make sure of a couple things. 1) Do not soak them in water, this makes them rust easier, wash right after you take them out of the cake. 2) After washing them, rinse and dry thoroughly, use a dry cloth to get them dry or they can rust. I've used mine for years by doing it this way and I do not have rust on them. Oh, don't put them in the dishwasher either.
evelyn