So I scratched my lovely kashima coat on my Fox 32’s whilst popping the seals out for a lube and greasing 😥

It is about 2cm long in an “L” shape; it can be felt when running my finger over it but I’ve removed any sharp edges. Is it really worth filling it and wet n dry papering? Or will I just wear more of the kashima down for little benefit? What do I risk by not filling it?

I never bother, no ill effects to report – and I scratched my Pike stanchion about 18 months ago.

I get some fine wet and dry and gently sand the rough edges, then leave it. Alway been fine, so far.

Got a few scratches on my 2 ride old Fox Transfer dropper the other day when bikes were being passed over fences ….. gave it a wee sand earlier tonight.

I’ve used very fine wet’n’dry paper and then covered with clear nail varnish previously which did the job.

Mate of mine used very fine wet n dry on a scratch on the shaft of his shock, just enough to remove any sharp edges.
That was a year ago, its still fine.
I guess if you do that and its leaking air (or oil) then you can investigate something a little more time consuming.

IME on forks it makes no difference

My pikes got scratched about a week after purchase and I have never seen any additional wear or dirt in the oil /seals at service

As others note sand it so no sharp edges and try nail polish if a bit deep

PS its the old pikes so about 8 years use so far

I scratched my Pikes and only varnished them for cosmetic reasons. Kashima? Use gold if you gonna do it!