Repair steel rule

[David C]

I have a very old 12" steel rule with a protractor head. Light surface rust has made it hard to read the angles (and the fine 1/64" lines on the reverse side of the rule) see photo.

Is there a way to clean the rust without obliterating or otherwise reducing the visibility of the very thin angle scribe lines.

Thanks for any help.

 

[rsanter]

Soak n evaporust
Clean with brass wire brush by hand

Bob

 

[Steinmetz]

Scotchbrite.

 

[Nor'Easter]

Evaporust will be the best. A scotchbright will marr the surface easily.

 

[zkling]

Brass wire wheel going in the direction of the graduation stampings.

 

[beatcad]

good ideas so far.
soak in evaporust for a day(24 hrs). than clean w/ warm water or warm soapy water(read instructions).
yeah the brass wire wheel is a good idea.
but maybe skip that and use a bench buffer.
i bet that would clean/shine it up pretty nice.

come to think of it i have an old B&S that is in that shape.
i've been working on my tool box and havent got to some tools just yet.
i'll try it out and let y'all know how it turns out.

oh, ****! am i a tool polisher

you dont have a bench polisher? another reason to buy a new tool

 

[OccupantRJ]

Brightboy. A rubberized abrasive block for this purpose. I have kept one in my machinist box for the last 40 years. Yes, it is called Brightboy. Also used to clean model train tracks.

 

[senlow]

Brightboy. A rubberized abrasive block for this purpose. I have kept one in my machinist box for the last 40 years. Yes, it is called Brightboy. Also used to clean model train tracks.

Regular Cratex sticks work too.