Cleaning rust off old tools

[Moose97]

Hello,

I have been looking for posts on cleaning rust off of hand tools, especially pliers. Any good suggestions that fall to the cheaper end of the money scale? How about general maintenance of your tools? Anything in particular you do?
Looking for suggestions or ideas.

 

[Bouchard93]

for light rust I use fine steel wool & some polish.
I have also used a wire wheel on the end of a drill on some hammers and such.

 

[930dreamer]

Check out the electrolysis threads.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

EvapoRust is the best thing on earth. I've bought it at O'Reilly auto parts for $22.99/gallon, and someone here said they have it at Rural King (regional farm supply) for $16.99/gallon, but I keep forgetting to check.

You will be SHOCKED at how well it works!

 

[Thumper68]

White vinegar works well, just fill a container with it and let the tool soak.

I have a penchant for Diamond tools made in Duluth MN, my home town! Many of the ones I find are in rough shape and the white vinegar works wonders.

 

[justanengineer]

You can get different material wire wheels to go from ultra stiff to pretty darn soft. Im a big fan of WD40 and a softer wheel, then maybe a quick buff.

 

[zkling]

I have been looking for posts on cleaning rust off of hand tools, especially pliers.

For pliers, screwdrivers, etc I typically use a fine/soft (steel and brass) wire wheel in a 6" bench grinder.

Any good suggestions that fall to the cheaper end of the money scale?

What tools do you already have? Bench grinder? Blast cabinet? As mentioned above vinegar is pretty cheap and works good. Molasses is another alternative. Then there is electrolysis, but this is not usually the best for small hand tools IMHO.

How about general maintenance of your tools? Anything in particular you do?

Keep them in a dry place. Keep them properly oiled or waxed to prevent rust.

 

[DrivewayDave]

Rust Removal Methods:

1) Soak in white distilled vinegar, or apple cider vinegar, or citric acid from canning section at grocery store for min., to hrs, to overnite, to days depending on rust level, then rinse w/h2o/ h2o & 11/2c to 1 c of baking soda, then wax, polish, or oil. (Non-toxic)

2) Rust Dis-solver (Commonly sold by Naval Jelly brand, the pink gel stuff - (Toxic)

3) Electrolysis - (Toxic)

Hope this helps?

Happy Sales & Happy Trails!

 

[Outlawmws]

Rust Removal Methods:

1) Soak in white distilled vinegar, or apple cider vinegar, or citric acid from canning section at grocery store for min., to hrs, to overnite, to days depending on rust level, then rinse w/h2o/ h2o & 11/2c to 1 c of baking soda, then wax, polish, or oil. (Non-toxic)

2) Rust Dis-solver (Commonly sold by Naval Jelly brand, the pink gel stuff - (Toxic)

3) Electrolysis - (Toxic)

Hope this helps?

Happy Sales & Happy Trails!

What makes you say electrolysis is toxic? Unless you are messing with heavy metals (Plating, SS, and the like) it's about as benign as it gets. It is IRON OXIDE. Stick with plain iron or steel parts/tools, stay (Far) away from using SS as the sacrificial anode, (rebar, graphite or other plain iron/steels only and you are golden) and you can dump it in your garden...

 

[03protege]

What makes you say electrolysis is toxic? Unless you are messing with heavy metals (Plating, SS, and the like) it's about as benign as it gets. It is IRON OXIDE. Stick with plain iron or steel parts/tools, stay (Far) away from using SS as the sacrificial anode, (rebar, graphite or other plain iron/steels only and you are golden) and you can dump it in your garden...

The washing soda solution can be somewhat harmful but as long as you use your head you should be fine. You did hit the nail on the head with SS and zinc coated metals, Instead of having relatively benign waste water at the end you will have a hazardous substance.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

EvapoRust is the best thing on earth. I've bought it at O'Reilly auto parts for $22.99/gallon, and someone here said they have it at Rural King (regional farm supply) for $16.99/gallon, but I keep forgetting to check.

You will be SHOCKED at how well it works!

I can't believe this is not a more recommended response. I've done cleaning by all these methods and Evaporust is by far the most non-destructive, easiest, and cleanest method available.

(Not knocking electrolysis or steel wool, they are just no longer my first choice for light rusted pliers etc. Big heavy vise full of rust=electrolysis)

 

[03protege]

I can't believe this is not a more recommended response. I've done cleaning by all these methods and Evaporust is by far the most non-destructive, easiest, and cleanest method available.

(Not knocking electrolysis or steel wool, they are just no longer my first choice for light rusted pliers etc. Big heavy vise full of rust=electrolysis)

Does evaporust have to soak or could it be applied to a surface?

I have a leaking sunroof so I removed my carpet and found some areas on the floorboard with surface rust. So obviously placing the floorboards into a vat isn't an option lol.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Does evaporust have to soak or could it be applied to a surface?

I have a leaking sunroof so I removed my carpet and found some areas on the floorboard with surface rust. So obviously placing the floorboards into a vat isn't an option lol.

Throw a towel or paper towels down and pour Evapo on them...it will lift it off. I do this with Drill Press Columns and the like. Warm temps in the shade are the best scenario.

 

[CWP1616L]

especially pliers.

Maroon Scotch-Brite. Follow the grain direction.

A small hand wire brush for the teeth.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Does evaporust have to soak or could it be applied to a surface?

I have a leaking sunroof so I removed my carpet and found some areas on the floorboard with surface rust. So obviously placing the floorboards into a vat isn't an option lol.

For floorboards and cars, I suggest POR-15.

Brush it on and be done. Used by pro's the world around.

Evaporust uses time but also requers clean up and then a prime and finish. POR-15 does it all and is ready for primer and finsih painting as-is.

 

[astroracer]

This is what I do. Works very well and leaves a coating so the parts don't start rusting the minute you get them clean.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211068

 

[Moose97]

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[AllTools]

DrivewayDave was right on. Those are the same processes I use in restoring vintage tools, and in that order. Vinegar is by far the cheapest and electrolysis should be accomplished in a safe and cautious manner.

 

[ejm1961Tbird]

X10 on EvapoRust!!

 

[Farmall450]

If you can get at it, wire wheel on a bench grinder!

 

[Hogtown]

First post ... Have agree with the Evapo-Rust folks. Beats anything I've ever used and I have used every technique mentioned in this thread except electrolysis.

 

[Outlawmws]

DrivewayDave was right on. Those are the same processes I use in restoring vintage tools, and in that order. Vinegar is by far the cheapest and electrolysis should be accomplished in a safe and cautious manner.

Other than he was wrong on the toxic effects of the Electrolysis, and is in fact wrong on the toxic effects of Navel jelly, It is an irritant (Unless ingested ) so not really toxic. in fact it's primary active ingredient is phosphoric acid which you are ingesting with almost any carbonated drink made...

tox·ic
/ˈtäksik/
adjective
1. poisonous.
noun
1. poisonous substances.

Warnings:
LABEL: Eye and skin irritation. Harmful if swallowed. Contains phosphoric acid. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wear rubber gloves when using. Use in a well ventilated area. Keep out of reach of children. This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.

Acute Health Effects: From MSDS Toxicity: Skin, eye, and inhalation irritant. Toxic by ingestion. Primary Routes of Entry: Acids and alcohol: Inhalation, ingestion, contact. Signs and Symptoms of Exposure: May be injurious to eyes, skin, mucous membranes, and lungs. Existing Conditions Aggravated by Exposure: Respiratory disorders.

Ingredients from MSDS/Label
Chemical CAS No / Unique ID Percent
Surfactant(s) (unspecified) 000000-00-4 1.0-3.0
Isopropanol 000067-63-0 1.0-3.0
Phosphoric acid 007664-38-2 25-30
Sulfuric acid 007664-93-9 0.1-1
Water 007732-18-5 65-70
Xanthan gum 011138-66-2 1.0-3.0
Fumed silica, crystalline-free 112945-52-5 0.1-1

Not particularly toxic used properly...

 

[Moose97]

Check out the electrolysis threads.

Thanks! I did. I may give this a try.

 

[Moose97]

White vinegar works well, just fill a container with it and let the tool soak.

I have a penchant for Diamond tools made in Duluth MN, my home town! Many of the ones I find are in rough shape and the white vinegar works wonders.

I've got a Diamond adjustable wrench that I picked up along the way somewhere. I use it all the time. Is it a higher end brand? I don't know anything about them. Still in business?