(Found) looking for teen novel about earth passing through a comet tail

[David K.]

IN the early 1960's, I read a teen level novel about Earth passing through the tail of a comet. This caused a breakdown in the surface tension of metals. which caused the fusing of any two metel parts sliding over each other. Pistons inside cylinders, for example. A slow slide back to the 18th century. It was on high school teen readings lists at the time. Thanks for your help (and memory).

 

[Paul_C]

now look what @dannymcg has started - in looking for the other comet-related query I found a possible answer to this one

The Year When Stardust Fell - Wikipedia

 

[Danny McG]

Everyone needs a hobby @Paul-C haha

 

[Danny McG]

now look what @dannymcg has started - in looking for the other comet-related query I found a possible answer to this one

The Year When Stardust Fell - Wikipedia

Deffo looks like the answer.
OP not been back for four years.
He might still return..........

 

[SilentRoamer]

Or another may come looking for the same book and find the answer readily to hand.