Logging Chain(s)

[Kent_B]

I have a couple old logging chains that are too good to sell for scrap, but covered with flaking rust. What would you guys recommend I do about the rust? Vinegar bath? Evaporust?

Looking forward to your ideas.
Thanks!

 

[2mJps]

Drag it down a gravel road behind a pickup.

 

[PowderKeg]

Got a long gravel/sandy driveway? Drag 'em up/down/around for a short time behind a vehicle of choice. Just watch that you don't drive over anything they could hook....

 

[texasfiremedic]

on the dragging. Cleaned up many of then this way. Just don't attach anything to them. Let it drag straight, otherwise the links that are tied to what you are dragging will wear down and weaken the chain. Some people soak them in oil afterward but really you can't handle them after that. Well, not without gloves. A old milk crate is the best thing to store them in that I have found.

 

[Kent_B]

Thanks, folks. I just happen to have an old pickup and a gravel road at my disposal.

 

[redwrench60]

I drag them behind my riding lawn mower while I mow a couple times. The grass will clean and buff em' up pretty good.

 

[930dreamer]

Tape up the end if they have a hook.

 

[AndyA]

Sandblast them. If you have a sandblaster, but don't have a gravel road.
Or just use them. I have lots of rusty chains. I don't really care as long as it's surface rust and isn't really effecting the strength.

 

[Zeke]

If you soak them in phosphoric acid it will leave a coating that is actually anti rust. Just don't rinse them off with clean water. Dragging is fine, but they will just rust up again.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

throw them in the cement mixer with some gravel.... Turn up the radio..

 

[KEH]

Be careful about dragging the chain behind a lawn mower with the blade operating. Guy I know was mowing grass, there was a chain in the yard that got caught in the mower which was jerked into the blade and was slung around, hitting the guy in the lower leg. Cracked bones, great pain.

KEH

 

[Farmall450]

Be careful about dragging the chain behind a lawn mower with the blade operating. Guy I know was mowing grass, there was a chain in the yard that got caught in the mower which was jerked into the blade and was slung around, hitting the guy in the lower leg. Cracked bones, great pain.

KEH

When I read that I was thinking , the guy must not back up/turn much?

 

[Aceman]

This thread covers it pretty well:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203018

 

[Kent_B]

Yet more knowledge! This project is turning into fun and I haven't even started it yet.

 

[countryroad82]

Use it! Rust will fall off! I always feel weird when I get new chain and it ISN'T rusted! Lol.