Cleaning rust off a hammer, and keeping it off.

[Chukster]

So, I've had this nasty looking framing hammer for years. Picked it up truly decades ago, like leaving college time; someone thought it was mine, but for sure it wasn't . Why look a gift hammer in the mouth?

Stanley, steel shaft & rubber handle.

Covered in what I think is dried drywall mud, rust spots in many places all over it.

Decided to make it pretty so I can at least use it, instead of always bypassing it for something better looking. And I can bring it in and put it to the wire wheel at work and take off a lot of the 'patina' that gives it such 'character' Character I don't really want to have living in my toolbox.

Wire wheel cleaned off a lot of the surface rust & junk, but is there anything I can do to it to keep it from rusting again?

 

[Jim greengo]

Wd40,keep it out of the weather.

 

[AEAdam]

I find evaporust leaves a protective coating behind. I think it’s a good approach. Submerge the hammer fully, leave it for a while. Wax afterwards can help. Boeshield is another option.

 

[M6erfan]

It's a hammer. Anything you coat it with for protection will be worn off in short order. Wipe it down with an oily rag (3in1, mineral oil, etc.) after every use. Ballistol works well too.

 

[Jakemedic]

Johnsons paste wax after getting the rust under control. Not sure I’d wax the head of the hammer though.

 

[visionguru]

Wire wheel cleaned off a lot of the surface rust & junk, but is there anything I can do to it to keep it from rusting again?

Wash all the grease/oil off. Then spray some Rustoleum clear paint. I think Channellock pliers have clear paint for rust prevention.

 

[bcschief]

Fluidfilm in the spray can, at most parts stores. Wire wheel the rust off first.

 

[Wamsutta]

Spray it with clear lacquer paint.