Restoring nuts and bolts

[Copymutt]

A simple technique.
Some restorations involve keeping every nut/bolt original. Many times they are corroded and need clean up. Typically I hit my bench grinder with a wire wheel.
A good method to keep control of the nuts is to thread them onto the end of the bolt and proceed. Catch the circumference and one side, then flip and rethread.

 

[Ohmthis]

I use this method a lot at work. I keep saying I’m going to grab a steel and brass wire wheels for an extra grinder that I have. I have it under the workbench in the basement shop, out of sight, out of mind I guess.

 

[engineer2]

I've got a 5 gallon bucket full of older GM nuts and bolts. I need to find a way to clean them in bulk. I suppose they'll go into the parts washer first for a good soaking. After that I don't know.

 

[Zrsnopro97]

Wire wheel has always been my go-to for cleaning up old slightly rusted stuff.

 

[kabinenroller]

In my restorations I try to reuse all the original hardware for authenticity reasons. Most of the time the hardware was originally black oxide sometimes it was zinc plated. I always degrease the parts first then blast them with a media like iron oxide, I do not use sand. If the hardware needs to be black I parkerize them, if they need to be plated I send them out for either clear (silver) or yellow (gold) zinc plating. It is very labor intensive to properly restore the hardware but effort shows in the finished restoration.

 

[jbfsr]

I to try to restore original hardware. I did three WW II generators. Got tired of using the bench grinder with wire wheels. Too small of a surface area. I made this rig. I find it much safer with greater control. I'm using an old 1 hp motor.

 

[MushCreek]

What about Evaporust after degreasing them?

 

[bugnut]

I sent mine through the ultrasonic bath of evaporust and then tumble in a rock tumbler with glass beads. I leave the tumbler run a long time while other work continues....

 

[mike93lx]

I've got a 5 gallon bucket full of older GM nuts and bolts. I need to find a way to clean them in bulk. I suppose they'll go into the parts washer first for a good soaking. After that I don't know.

My harbor freight vibratory tumbler has treated me well for years of cleaning brass.

 

[Dutch01]

I have de-rusted soaking items in vinegar, but found that you have to neutralize the acidity afterwards. Not tried it myself yet, but also heard of de-rusting items soaking them in Coca-Cola for some time

 

[TimeWarpF100]

What about Evaporust after degreasing them?

Best idea yet! Nothing easier & less time consuming. It’s what I am doing today. Of course AZ hardware cleans up nice.
I then send out to plater for zinc, Electroless Nickel, or cad plating.

 

[TimeWarpF100]

think it was 100.00 for all this plating after I did the cleaning.

 

[Lwel9226]

I've got a 5 gallon bucket full of older GM nuts and bolts. I need to find a way to clean them in bulk. I suppose they'll go into the parts washer first for a good soaking. After that I don't know.

Try molasses..... Mix 1 part molasses with 6or7 parts water if I remember correctly....
Let parts soak for a day or two, longer if necessary.... You will be amazed at the results....
They say you can't over soak.... Just eats the rust.... not the steel....
You need to oil them after to prevent flash rust....

LynnW

 

[Motown]

Soaking in Lysol toilet cleaner, get them pretty clean.