best way to derust a jack ram

[1930artdeco]

I bought some bottle jacks that have rusted rams at the top. The top 1" or so is rusted as the PO left them exposed. So I want to derust them and clean up the rest of the ram so that it will retract on its own instead of having to be forced back down.

I bought some 1500, 2000 grit sandpaper (W/D) and some emerycloth sheets (Course, medium, fine) I may hit the rams with some 400 grit initially just to get rid of the heavy stuff and them move right into the fine grit and finish with the emerycloth. Does that sound like a good plan or am I missing some thing?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[stikman56]

Use something you spray on is what I would do. Lemon juice is said to work. Vinegar I think too. I wouldn't use a commercial acid product on them. They need to be smooth or the seals are going to leak. Hopefully they're not really pitted.

 

[rsanter]

Place jack upside down with that part in evaporust. Once done inspect and you can hone any rough spots with a fine stone or the fine paper you have

Bob

 

[stikman56]

Place jack upside down with that part in evaporust. Once done inspect and you can hone any rough spots with a fine stone or the fine paper you have

Bob

Yes, I believe that is a natural product and works great. That would be a good choice if so.

 

[LuckyEddie]

Evapo-Rust should work well. Another method I have used if the shaft is chromed, is rub it with aluminum foil dipped in water. The foil is harder than rust and softer than chromium. Never ever use sand paper or steel wool, they will leave scratches and it is all down hill from there.

 

[Kirbot]

I really REALLY doubt steel wool would be a problem on a thick chrome ram like that... But I can vouch for aluminum foil.

I cleaned up a bumper with it, and it worked great.

 

[1930artdeco]

I forgot about Evaporust, thanks. I will have to go buy some now...darn.

Mike