Cleaning up rusty sockets

[iroc409]

What do you guys do to clean up rusty sockets?

I have some deep sockets that are practically brand new (got them of GJ here a couple months back). They weren't rusty when I got them (so no slight there), but they have since rusted sitting in my box. Most of my sockets have not.

So, what should I do to clean them up? Or, just not worry about them? I don't know how long it takes for rust to compromise the material, I'd guess probably years.

I was thinking about taking them in, as some are pretty bad, but it seems kind of silly to take in brand new sockets just to get warranted. But, they are brand new! I haven't even had a chance to use them yet.

I was thinking maybe Evaporust and a brush, then make sure they're all oiled. None of my other sockets are rusting, except maybe 1 or 2.

 

[Outlawmws]

For un-plated impact sockets almost any deruster you use will also remove the Black Oxide (Oxide = "rust" - just a special one...)

I'd go with oil and 0000 steel wool to remove, then clean and oil with gun oil.

 

[geologist]

Evapo-Rust might work, or you could try soaking them in vinegar for a few days. They'll look cruddy but it will brush right off. The vinegar strips the oxide component of iron oxide (rust) by a process called chelation (key-lay-shun). It's pretty safe on chromed tools but I haven't tried it on black oxide.

 

[geologist]

For un-plated impact sockets almost any deruster you use will also remove the Black Oxide (Oxide = "rust" - just a special one...)

I'd go with oil and 0000 steel wool to remove, then clean and oil with gun oil.

On a side note, being that they're black oxide, you could boil them. It's basically the same process as slow rust bluing a firearm.

 

[ndnchf]

A simple and inexpensive rust remover is molasses. Yep, the same thing grandma uses to make cookies. Go buy a $3 jar of it and mix some up 4 parts water to 1 part molasses, mix it well in a plastic container with lid (tupperware etc), then drop your sockets in and let them sit for a day, then pull 'em out, rinse off and inspect. Throw 'em back in if they are still rusty and check again the next day. When satisfied, rinse, dry and oil. Save the molasses mix for another use, it will last a long time.

 

[billymade]

Evaporust WILL remove the black oxide finish (I have done this myself); along with the rust. If they are chrome; Evaporust is the way to go... as it will leave INTACT any chrome finish that is present on the sockets.

 

[iroc409]

I guess I should have clarified... these are chromed sockets. It's a little annoying, since most of my chromed stuff doesn't rust. These have, some of them pretty bad in just a couple months. That's why I was thinking about taking them in, because IMHO chromed stuff should be chromed well enough to not rust, at least when new.

It sounds like I'll go with Evaporust then. I'm just going to have to get into the habit of oiling all my tools I guess with WD40 or gun oil or something. I didn't know about vinegar, I will keep that in mind and may use it in the future.

 

[Rye425]

Did mine this weekend. Used air tool oil to coat them. Even broke out the q-tips to coat inside.

BTW Evaporust can be used over and over a couple more times so save a milkjug for the used stuff.

 

[jameswrx]

Has anyone noticed how fast the newer snap on impact stuff rusts?

I bought some new 1/2" deep impact sockets a couple of months back and can't believe how quick they rust up. After I used them the first time, I opened the drawer the next day and was greeted by a brown socket! My boss has some many years old and he couldn't believe what mine looked like.

 

[B17E1943]

I have some deep sockets that are practically brand new (got them of GJ here a couple months back). They weren't rusty when I got them (so no slight there), but they have since rusted sitting in my box.

What brand are they - for curiosity's sake?

 

[iroc409]

What brand are they - for curiosity's sake?

Craftsman 1/2" drive.

 

[B17E1943]

Thanks!

 

[jtfc]

With my snap on impact sockets just constantly using them keeps the rust off. They do rust up very fast but only a very light coat. For example over a weekend or a few days with out use they tend to have a light brown film 15 seconds on a gun and they are good to go. If I remember and most times I don't I spray them with penetrol 90 or pb blaster before my weekend seems to help.

 

[pipsters]

Craftsman 1/2" drive.

They shouldn't be rusting. There is something wrong with the chrome - I would exchange them or they will just keep doing it. A few of mine have done the same thing even dunked in oil.

 

[JASTECH]

+1 on What brand, I was thinking quality of chrome. My Snappys are over 20 yrs new and still shine like the day I held them in my hands and salivated!

 

[venturesomerite]

I use metal rescue on things, works pretty good, but it's like $25 a gal.

 

[lzenglish]

I use metal rescue on things, works pretty good, but it's like $25 a gal.

This "metal rescue" is a new one on me, where do you buy it? I like evaporust, and use to get it at HF on sale for 18 bucks a gallon, but the price is 29 bucks now. So now, I go to the dollar store, and clear there shelf of white vinegar.

Wayne

 

[venturesomerite]

I bought it off their website. There are some demo videos on the site too.

http://www.metalrescue.com/home.aspx

 

[bcradio]

I don't get it... why do you guys put oil on your sockets? Do you leave it on there?

 

[iroc409]

I don't get it... why do you guys put oil on your sockets? Do you leave it on there?

Apparently I have to oil mine so they don't turn into a corroded mess due to bad chroming.

 

[ServiceWithIntegrity]

http://strongarmbrand.com/

 

[thesilverone]

I put some desiccant packs in my draws to help keep moisture out

 

[dancemusicman]

What I have used is a plumbers copper fitting brush. They come in variety of sizes. You knock the handle off the brush, then put the wire end of the brush in a cordless drill chuck. Also, you can wrap scotchbrite around the wire brush for finer finish.

 

[frostys]

So, once you've gotten rid of the rust, does anyone have suggestions for getting the chrome shiny again? Chrome polish? Buffer wheel? What do you use to clean up the chrome on a car?

 

[lzenglish]

I bought it off their website. There are some demo videos on the site too.

http://www.metalrescue.com/home.aspx

Thanks for the link "venturesomerite". I pulled it up, and watched the video, and it sounds almost too good to be true. So, I ask you, (since you have used it), does it leave a dark residue like vinegar, and evaporust does? The video leaves me to believe it is a ronco "Just Set it, and Forget it" type of product, that does not involve the brushing, and washing the residue off of the metal, after the soak? I think I will try it reguardless, if the price is not too high.

Wayne

 

[venturesomerite]

I've never used evaporust, but I have used vinegar.

When I used it, it did not leave a black film like vinegar. It is VERY good at freeing up things, like say a rusted shut ratchet, or hinge. I wouldn't say it's over all as good a rust remover as it makes it out to be, but it is a very usefull product.


Now that I think of it, if you want to remove surface rust, use this:

http://http://www.theruststore.com/Boeshield-Rust-Free-Spray-P2C1.aspx


I can't believe I forgot all about it. That is AWESOME at getting rust off chrome. I've used it mostly on steel and chromed things, but bang for the buck, it's the best thing I've found. They also make a spray to put on afterwards to prevent rust and corrosion in the future. I bought both of them together at Sears hardware and appliances for like $10 or so.

That stuff works best, from what I have found, if you spray some on and let it sit say 30 secs to a minute, then use a wet scotchbright to scrub, and a towel to clean off.
If you need to clean the inside of the sockets, use the same method and replace the scotch brite with a pipe cleaner, you can even put it on a drill if you wanted, but it eats rust pretty well.

Give the Boeing stuff a try before the metal rescue.


Brian

 

[camarotoolman]

crome must be defective, I'd try to get them warrented.

 

[hydramatic]

once I clean a tool, they are in a toolbox drawer with a small block of camphor. keeps rust at bay.. I clean rusty stuff with a glassbead cabinet, then buff, the they go in the drawer..I take care of my stuff...

 

[taumac]

My 2 cent would be Electrolysis cause it leaves a black oxide throw the process.

 

[Juli77]

A simple and inexpensive rust remover is molasses. Yep, the same thing grandma uses to make cookies. Go buy a $3 jar of it and mix some up 4 parts water to 1 part molasses, mix it well in a plastic container with lid (tupperware etc), then drop your sockets in and let them sit for a day, then pull 'em out, rinse off and inspect. Throw 'em back in if they are still rusty and check again the next day. When satisfied, rinse, dry and oil. Save the molasses mix for another use, it will last a long time.

I just tried this on my Allen wrench set my son gave me that were in a bucket of water for a few yrs. and 24 hrs. Later they look brand new!! Thank you! Juli77

 

[Blazinzuk]

They shouldn't be rusting. There is something wrong with the chrome - I would exchange them or they will just keep doing it. A few of mine have done the same thing even dunked in oil.

Yep return them. I have warrantied snap on sockets that rust. They were chrome and rusting on the outside.

 

[Jim Diesel]

Rust isnt a major problem for me. However on occasion if i notice rust on a tool a hit of Rust off and a buffing wheel takes care of it. For inside hard to reach places, a small tappered buffing bit to fit my 1/4 die grinder works a treat.

 

[pendragon1998]

I have found several sockets in our gravel road. A vinegar soak cleaned them up great. One was a snap-on impact socket in black oxide. It stayed black and after rinsing well and drying, I gave it a paste wax coat. It has not rusted since then.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Old thread.

But my logic is: They looked brand new to OP. He bought them from a GJ member. Wouldn't that member be the one to ask how he derusted them?

 

[Jason280]

6" fine wire wheel on a bench grinder...