Help Cleaning Old Feeler Gauge

[7th Kahuna]

Two weeks ago I acquired a Kastar offset feeler gauge. It is a pretty cool little tool but between the grime and a bit of rust I can only read the gauge on a couple of the 'fingers'. I tried soaking it overnight in vinegar and while I hesitate to say I made it worse, it didn't improve the readability any. Does anyone have experience cleaning these things without also removing the numbers? Do I dare go after it with a light abrasive?

 

[retrobuilder]

I'd use some Simple Green or citrus cleaner or perhaps semichrome/Mothers polish. apply, let it sit a few minutes and clean with a shop towel.

 

[7th Kahuna]

I didn't think about chrome polish. The vinegar got most of the dirt off and seems to have helped with the rust, which is why I tried it in the first place. Unfortunately whatever had happened with the fingers, some of them have the appearance of 'blueing' only they are dark gray instead.

 

[bochnak]

Bar keepers friend?