cleaning and protecting antique tools

[carcajou]

I have a variety of old iron and bare steel wrenches that i would like to clean up and protect, then display in my shop. I only heat the shop when needed and i'm worried about condensation/moisture causing them to rust. Any ideas on how to clean/ prepare them would be appreciated. I am thinking on wiping them down with Break Free CLP after, but if you have a better idea i would like to hear it. Thanks

 

[Dberglind]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001447PEK/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[NiteWolf]

If your just going to display them, you could clean them up then spray on a few coats of a clear coat.

 

[Verktyg]

I use liquid paraffin. You could also mix like 1/3 bees wax and 2/3 liquid paraffin to get a paste you can rub on.

 

[Higgins]

What about using WD40?
We used it on everything in the service? Spray it on, wipe it off, and be done with it!

 

[d.mcfarland]

The key here seems like it would be reapplication rather than one time and then forget about them ... unless you go the clear coat path.

 

[DWise]

I use "boiled" linseed oil. Just apply and let dry for a day, works great.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

I clean my old tools up, derust them as needed and then I use paraffin and if I can't find it then clear satin spray paint.

 

[Higgins]

Your tool display looks great!
Wish I had the spare wall space.............

 

[camarotoolman]

I like GIBBS oil.

 

[Tarnished]

carcajou,
I have been using paraffin dissolved in mineral spirits. 1 cake paraffin chipped in 1 qt mineral spirits. When dissolved it is easy to brush on, and leaves light coat of paraffin when mineral spirits dries. Works well and easy to apply. No oil residue to worry about. Can be buffed for shine if desired.
Verktyg, can you tell me more about the liquid paraffin? Never heard of this. I have plenty of bees wax I could add to make paste, but how??

 

[carcajou]

Thanks for the great ideas guys, really appreciate them. Still need ideas on derusting/cleaning them up. I don't like the thought of using a wire brush or wire wheel. If i had them blasted what would your choice of media? Some need more than varsol wash.

 

[Dberglind]

Thanks for the great ideas guys, really appreciate them. Still need ideas on derusting/cleaning them up. I don't like the thought of using a wire brush or wire wheel. If i had them blasted what would your choice of media? Some need more than varsol wash.

Look up Evapo-Rust. Stuff works pretty good.

 

[Steevo]

Have you tries an electrolysis tank for rust removal?
It is very easy to do and low cost, and doesn't harm metal like a wire wheel would.

Search here in the tools thread on "electrolysis"

 

[dadsEH]

get some wrenches and soak in vinegar overnite , light scrub with a hand wirebrush and dry them off well . light coating with WD40 and polish.
GUARANTEED!