Help! my tap and die set is rusting

[toplessHO]

I have a Craftsman Kromedge set over 50 yrs old and not a speck of rust
Newer Craftsman metric set is so rusty I need to sandpaper it to read size.
what chemical process will not harm but remove rust?

 

[The Cobbler]

there's a very recent thread on here with an inexpensive home brew with great looking results here

 

[Jswain]

I love citric acid so much for this I couldn't imagine using or paying for anything else.

If you have an ultrasonic cleaner with a heater it makes it a hell of a lot faster too.

Definitely going to try using with baking soda at the same time as I usually do a seperate rinse with it afterwards.

 

[1982fxr]

Op, I've heard those old Kromedge will go through anything. Is your set that good?

Anyone know the oem of Kromedge?

 

[Jgaz]

Op, I've heard those old Kromedge will go through anything. Is your set that good?

Anyone know the oem of Kromedge?

I have an old Kromedge set that I bought 40+ years ago. It has worked very well for me.

 

[toplessHO]

I dont know if it will go thru "anything" but 50 yrs with constant use is pretty good.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Or you can buy some evaporust.

No matter what you use, it helps to clean and remove some rust first. I usually clean and use a eye brush first. Obviously I would not write brush the say the cutting portions.

 

[bcschief]

Fluid film will keep that from happening again.

 

[toplessHO]

note the older Kromedge in the smaller sizes.... no rust.
Also have a full SAE Kromedge set stored in same cabinet.
Again no rust.
I hope the guy in upper management that said Kromedge costs too much
and went to the failed plan B like I have here,was one of the first laid off.

 

[Tynee]

Following. I've got a set that could use some cleanup.

 

[2oolhound]

I wouldn't use anything on them to eat rust for fear it will eat the cutting edges. Your dies all look like the actual cutting edges are not rusted. Some of the taps are bad. I'd run the dies over some bolts to clear any bits of rust and then oil them good for storage. Those taps got it bad so if you do use a rust remover don't leave them in any longer than necessary and dry them fast because they will flash rust instantly once out of the bath.

 

[Nodakdad]

Mix up mollases and water soak them in that.
Around 1:5 ratio
Won't harm the metal

 

[txvwnut]

WD40 and 0000 steel wool or red scotch brite and little elbow grease will remove the rust. Get some desiccant packs to keep in the case.