Rust removal with Vinegar?

[8man]

I have read about using the 20% vinegar for rust removal. I am doing some bolts, nuts and washers that hold the bumper brackets together and don't know how long to leave them in the solution.

Question: How do you know how long to leave stuff in?

Thanks.

 

[ddawg16]

It's been discussed several times....do a search for additional info.

Time varies....

Soak for 1/2 day...pull out and see if you can remove the top layer with a soft brush.

Unlike Phosphoric acid, the vinegar will not 'erase' the rust...it more or less loosens it....it takes a little manual labor as well.

Nice thing about it....because it's not fast, less chance of messing things up.

 

[Jazz1]

I use vinegar. Get vinegar as cheap as possible(dollar store) and soak in plastic container. I usually let item sit a week. Been doing this for years. Its not fast but its efficient. STEEL ONLY,,no cast. I'm usually soaking old auto parts..rinse with a solution of water and baking soda or parts will start to oxidize right now..best to apply primer ASAP
A brush such as what you use in parts washer is handy to lift off the residue...its pretty slick, not toxic

WATER and baking soda solution
1 gallon water 2 TBSP baking soda

 

[Falcon67]

I've used it on some connecting rods and such - soak a day or two, then rinse well. Apply WD-40 or other rust preventative RIGHT AWAY or you'll be shocked how quick it goes south.

 

[38Chevy454]

Vinegar is a very mild acid, so it will take longer. Any acid will work, the basic reaction is to reduce the iron oxide to become iron ions in solution plus water. As in: Fe3O4 + 8H+ --> 3Fe + 4H2O. Acid has the H+ and it gets used up, the acid becomes weaker as the reaction continues.

 

[RandyL]

<<<As in: Fe3O4 + 8H+ --> 3Fe + 4H2O.>>>


I knew somebody would say that....

 

[mobiledynamics]

For discussion purposes, OT, but I was looking at Salt Neutralizers....for the snow removal equipment..and came across this.

From what I read, vinegar neutralizes salt. Anybody can confirm

 

[GettinJunkDone]

I made a short video using vinegar on one of my grandfather's rusty pliers. Worked good.

 

[tinmanwpk]

Be sure to wear safety glasses when brushing the parts to remove the rust.

 

[crabjoe]

Stupid Vinegar! I tried using it to clean hard water stains from a shower enclosure. All it did was remove the Zinc off the screw heads and now they're all rusting!

 

[Cyberbear]

Use 50/50 mix of water and pool acid, works in minutes. Leave it in until the rust is gone, no brainer.

 

[jabberwoki]

Do one gal vinegar to one cup of salt.
Works like a charm.
I just put a rusty willy 12 adjustable wrench in a bath of this last week and in 2 hrs scrubbed it clean with a stiff brush.
I`m sold for life on this cocktail.