I can't find the thread, but I saw here on GJ about using a solution of vinegar with salt to de-rust tools. I had a few large Snap-On extensions that were rusty, so I went to Giant Eagle and bought a $3 gallon of white vinegar (cheapest they had).
I used a Rubbermaid type plastic storage container (shallow and long to accomodate the 24" extension and a 18" and 12" one). I put the extensions in and poured the vinegar in. I shook about 3 tablespoons of salt in and stirred it all up. I put the lid on and sat it outside. That night I was able to rub a lot of rust off with paper towels, and then I let it sit another day. No more rust, but they are discolored (blackish). I then greased them up with some machine oil.
I recently found an old and large toolbox in my wife's mother's barn that has a lot of USA made (various brands) large wrenches. My wife's granddad was a millwright/machinist at a steel mill. They are all rusty. I brought the container and vinegar over there yesterday and dropped in as many of the wrenches as I could fit. I am reviving his old tools to turn it back into a working box of tools.
Does anyone know the proper amount of salt to use in the solution? i couldn't find an answer. I need to buy more vinegar. Pics coming soon of the de-rusted old millwright tools.
I used a Rubbermaid type plastic storage container (shallow and long to accomodate the 24" extension and a 18" and 12" one). I put the extensions in and poured the vinegar in. I shook about 3 tablespoons of salt in and stirred it all up. I put the lid on and sat it outside. That night I was able to rub a lot of rust off with paper towels, and then I let it sit another day. No more rust, but they are discolored (blackish). I then greased them up with some machine oil.
I recently found an old and large toolbox in my wife's mother's barn that has a lot of USA made (various brands) large wrenches. My wife's granddad was a millwright/machinist at a steel mill. They are all rusty. I brought the container and vinegar over there yesterday and dropped in as many of the wrenches as I could fit. I am reviving his old tools to turn it back into a working box of tools.
Does anyone know the proper amount of salt to use in the solution? i couldn't find an answer. I need to buy more vinegar. Pics coming soon of the de-rusted old millwright tools.
