Cleaning Tools With Vinegar - corrosion?

[BBDartCA]

When cleaning old, slightly rusty tools, I usually soak in household cooking vinegar for a couple days and clean with a wire brush. But check this out. Both these Craftsman wrenches were equally rusty before I put them in the vinegar. But one of them practically dissolved away. I’m guessing the one that started breaking down had slight cracks in the chrome. These were in Vinegar about a week (forgot about them when I left town).

 

[crguy]

Just one more example of why most people won't use vinegar to clean tools.

 

[350XinNY]

I use WD-40.... pics are of the same socket....

Bruce

 

[paris by night]

i use BRASS wire brush with VARIABLE (low speed) angle grinder. the faster, best result and no problem for the chrome layer.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You left them in the vinegar about 6 1/2 days too long.