Cleaning rusty sockets?

[bad_idea]

I found a pile of sockets in the scrap metal bin laying in water. The rust is mild, looks like minimal damage to the chrome finish on them. They are for work use, pretty isn't so much an issue. I would like to invest little time or effort. Would like to save the chrome if I can. I am thinking a wire wheel on a bench grinder, but I'm not sure how the chrome will fair. Any better, easier methods? Thanks.

 

[CWP1616L]

You got a bench grinder?

A scotch-brite wheel would make them look brand new.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

evaporust

 

[Conductor562]

evaporust

Evaporust is the real deal.

 

[relic7680]

+1 on Evaporust

 

[mattwgrizwald]

I had just bought some snap on metric short 3/8 impact sockets and my 13mm was getting rusty so i gave it a light spray and and quick spin on the scotch bright pad rust gone and back in the hansen socket tray

 

[jbmorrey]

You got a bench grinder?

A scotch-brite wheel would make them look brand new.

I would like to do the same, is there a type of Scotch Brite wheel to get? What is the best universal wheel?

 

[sensei_]

Anyone sell these scotch brite wheels online and ship internationally?

 

[otis66]

Aluminum Foil works. I used aluminum Foil to restore my old bicycle. Works great.

White viniger works too. You can drop your sockets in a cup of viniger or use a brush.

[Metal Rescue works the best, but it will cost you. Viniger is cheap.

 

[jbmorrey]

Actually I was wondering if there is a grit, or coarseness of scotch brite that works best, hate to scratch up chrome. Thanks!

 

[CWP1616L]

I would like to do the same, is there a type of Scotch Brite wheel to get? What is the best universal wheel?

PM sent.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Actually I was wondering if there is a grit, or coarseness of scotch brite that works best, hate to scratch up chrome. Thanks!

To clean the exterior of all my yard sale/swap meet find sockets, I wear a leather glove and place the green scothbrite pad (from grocery store) in my palm, spray a bunch of WD-40 and put the socket on my impact and spin it with closed light grip. 5 seconds and shiny as new. No damage to chrome etc.

I'll do a whole bucket in 5 minutes.

If the inside is rusty, then +1 for evaporust..which is on clearance at Lowes right now. $1.80/qt down from $2.60/qt....it's $9/qt at HF.

 

[B17E1943]

Evaporust or white vinegar.

I've been looking for a cone-shaped brass brush that can be chucked up in a power drill for cleaning the inside of sockets as well as the box ends of wrenches. Anybody know where to get something like that?

 

[Rickster]

The scotchbrite will scratch the finish but might be necessary if rough rust. I like to spin them up in a drill or low speed impact and polish them with a coarse rag with some Mothers mag wheel paste cleaner. Wotks great. I have a 3/8dr bit for my drill but you could cut an old extension. For the inside I stick a small HF drill style wire wheel in a vise and with drill and socket spin it onto the wire wheel.

 

[B17E1943]

A battery terminal cleaner brush works good. You could remove/cut the wire brush part from the handle for a drill, but I've never needed more than a couple turns by hand to clean them up.

I tried this today - worked well. Thanks!

 

[SRX]

Evaporust or white vinegar. I've been looking for a cone-shaped brass brush that can be chucked up in a power drill for cleaning the inside of sockets as well as the box ends of wrenches. Anybody know where to get something like that?

Gun cleaning kits have round, brass brush sets in them.

 

[dirtydogintex]

(gun barrel) bore brushes can be bought online as well as at your friendly local gun shop.

A similar brush is used to clean engine passages.
See your friendly local auto hard parts or tool house.

No show rooming these - they're difficult to find in stock as it is!
The local shops would no doubt appreciate your biz!!

 

[thebeekeeper1]

As above, if you soak them overnight in Evaporust they will be perfect in the morning. No brushing, polishing, or time spent handling them. You can get a gallon of it at O'Reilly's Auto Parts for $22.99.

 

[kythri]

Evaporust or white vinegar.

I've been looking for a cone-shaped brass brush that can be chucked up in a power drill for cleaning the inside of sockets as well as the box ends of wrenches. Anybody know where to get something like that?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R2XE20/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[volaredon]

I have a S/O tap n die set that rusted up sitting in my hoe garage (moisture issue due to type of heater I run) that I cant read the sizes on due to the rust I need to clean up....

 

[2oolhound]

Taps and dies have cutting edges which should be kept pristine and sharp. That's why they are all kept separate from one another when you buy them. I think I'd try evaporust or some non abrasive method to try to recover them.

 

[rick carpenter]

Evaporust or white vinegar.

Not too long in the vinegar though, try an hour and see if you can rub off the rust with a rag. If not, give them another hour, etc. When the rust is gone, water rinse, dry, WD-40, dry, and oil them down good.

 

[alpinewhite]

I have a 3/8dr bit for my drill but you could cut an old extension.

Cut? That's sacrilegious. Why not use one of these?

 

[tncumminsguy]

I use marvel mystery oil and some steel wool. Just keep the sockets/ rusty tools in a plastic bin full of marvel mystery oil and use steel wool to remove rust