Rust and cleaning tools
Somewhat depends on if you are talking rust removal or grease removal. If it’s both, get the grease off first so you don’t mess up the de-rusting solutions.
For grease I’ll use Simple Green generally, sometimes my solvent tank, sometimes just paint thinner (Mineral Spirits), but that leaves a slight oily residue. If you want NO oily residue, use white gas/Naphtha
I use vinegar on plated parts as Electrolysis and other methods will quickly strip plating off. So will vinegar, but not quickly. I've only had one bad experience with a plated tool and frankly its plating was dying anyway. However, given time vinegar WILL damage or remove the plating.
Apple cider Vinegar is reputed to be stronger; I have yet to test that out myself.
I class Vinegar as only one of many ways to remove rust:
My rust removal repertoire in most used order:
Electrolysis
Fine wire wheel/brass wire wheel
Vinegar
Molasses dilution (About 10/1; slow but amazing results given time)
For paint prep and final oxidation removal for iron/steel parts: Phosphoric acid (Jasco Metal etch)
For plated parts:
SOS (NOT Brillo!) pad (with soap, if the soap is gone, toss it.
Oil and 0000 steel wool (The oil keeps it from scratching the chrome)
Vinegar
Evaporust is supposed to do a great job without damaging paint or plating, but is expensive. I have not yet used it.
