20 yr old Mastercraft socket set- surface rust.

[petee_c]

I've just been organizing a new larger tool chest, and noticed that my Mastercraft socket set is starting to rust a bit on the inside. I believe almost all of them. The chrome on the outside is holding up fine and the flats where it holds the fastener are fine. It's deep in the well of the socket that some surface rust is showing.

I got this tool set shortly after my 1st car in 1995. It's been my go to for sockets in my garage since day one. I also have a set of Craftsman 1/2" metric 12 point sockets from that year as well.

Strictly DIY'r. I might wrench on the vehicles 3-4x/yr. Stored in an unheated garage.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Was there a question in there? If so, EvapoRust is the answer.

 

[petee_c]

Hey bee,

Thanks, yeah EvapoRust answers my question, although I doubt I'll do anything about it.

Got too many things on my to do list to worry about a little rust on some sockets.

 

[PJNJ]

Hey bee,

Thanks, yeah EvapoRust answers my question, although I doubt I'll do anything about it.

Got too many things on my to do list to worry about a little rust on some sockets.

OK then why the original post?

 

[petee_c]

Didn't realize chrome sockets would rust.

(tough audience here)

 

[dutchgray]

Don't think I have ever bought NOS sockets with out some rust on the inside, its almost impossible to properly chrome the inside so they will eventually rust. This is why many manufactures paint the insides with silver paint that people moan about so sockets don't go rusty if they sit on the shelf not getting used.

 

[PJNJ]

Don't think I have ever bought NOS sockets with out some rust on the inside, its almost impossible to properly chrome the inside so they will eventually rust. This is why many manufactures paint the insides with silver paint that people moan about so sockets don't go rusty if they sit on the shelf not getting used.

Careful, the socket paint police may be listening.

 

[ZRX61]

I usually just beadblast the inside of rusty sockets. Leaves em looking like new.

 

[MikeF2316]

Didn't realize chrome sockets would rust.

(tough audience here)

Quit polishing and start using... Oh wait you're not polishing.

I just hit them with a shot of penetrating oil when I see this. It doesn't make them look any better, but it doesn't take any time and it stops the rust and makes me feel better.

 

[thesilverone]

use the sockets

problem solved

 

[jipps]

Drop them into a salt & vinegar solution for 72 hrs, then brush out with a toothbrush or some v fine steel wool, rinse, oil lightly, done