Rust removal

[lcw731]

I have a square and some other metal measuring tools that have some rust on them ( kinda looks like a spider web). Any relatively simple tips to remove it and prevent it from coming back? I'm taking better care than I used to, so I just want to get these things on par with everything else. Thanks!


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[Fretters]

I personally use electrolysis for derusting. Find that it gives the best finish for my particular needs. Citric acid is another cheap and readily available option, but never personally been happy with the result from that, especially where older stuff is concerned. Works lovely on stuff like tool steel etc., but can give some of the old carbon steels and similar a guttingly bad finish. There's white vinegar, black treacle (molasses), wire brush/wheel, bead blasting and probably several other methods which can be used too.

 

[drivesitfar]

thumbs up to Fretters. you have about covered all the ways I know or have heard of. I'm in the process of setting up an Electrolysis tank for the big stuff and for the little stuff a few trays with vinegar in them.

I might get a big plastic storage box and put a gallon of molasses with 10 gallons of water to soak some of the really badly rusted stuff.

those and a little wire wheeled grinder or a little elbow grease should make stuff shine and for keeping them that way there are many products to use such as:

car wax
corrosion x
boeshield

and lots of others

 

[drivesitfar]

LCW: just an FYI. there is another thread that was started with information on electrolysis today that some of the guys are pitching in information in case you might want to get one set up.

I wouldn't have thought I was handy enough to do one, but after talking it out and reading more about it i'm going to set mine up soon and start de rusting a ton of nice old steel vises and tools.

good luck with your tools and if you only have a few then a grinder with a nice wire wheel might work for you just fine and then just put something on the raw steel or it will rust again in the near future.

also looks like you might be a new member so welcome to GJ

 

[zkling]

Case dependent for me.

A wire wheel on a bench grinder is nice for small items, say a hammer head or bolts for instance.

A cup brush on a 4.5" hand held grinder is good for large flat surfaces, ex. a table top.

Electrolysis is nice for things that are super rusty and odd shaped.

Acid dipping can vary from mild to wild. Handy for thin and delicate items. Vinegar is a safe one to start with. You will hear people talk about Coke or other soda's to remove rust. Due to the phosphoric acid contained in the drink.

Then there is always media blasting, like acid dipping can vary from mild to wild depending on what you are working on.

Without seeing what you have I'd try a fine steel wood pad and a little penetrating oil. From the description it sounds like your items are just slightly rusted.

 

[jakemac]

For delicate items, I soak them in CLR until the rust is gone. Then a light run on a fine wire wheel to clean them up.

If the rust is persistent, I use EvapoRust. But take care how long you leave them in the solution.

To keep the rust off, I give them a quick wipe with PB Blaster and re-apply as needed.

 

[Fretters]

Without seeing what you have I'd try a fine steel wood pad and a little penetrating oil.

That does work well for light rust. A similar combo I use is the green scouring pads with paraffin. I go with the scourers over wire wool as it doesn't shed tiny metal fibres like the wire wool does, but wire wool does have the edge on longevity. The scourers wear out quickly.

 

[Bryan Burns]

I use vinegar baths the majority of the time except for saw blades. Vinegar will remove etchings on vintage saw blades and there's no way to put them back.

 

[coolreed]

I have this fine abrasive pad about the size of an eraser that restore metal and removes rust and make tools shine.

Found them at Little Joes in OKC, located in the stock yards. They cost about 6 bucks each. I use them on my Engineering Squares, Vises, Bench Planes, etc. to remove rust and keep them looking great.

I do not remember the name of the pad but you can google them, call them and they will be glad to sell you a few.

 

[scw1991]

Evaporust

 

[lcw731]

Thanks for the suggestions. As someone noted I am new here, and really just getting started on acquiring my tools etc. and how to properly store and take care of them. Needless to say I am always open to suggestions. I have tried CLR, didn't seem to do much. A neighbor suggested vinegar and aluminum foil, and I did have some success with that, but not what I was expecting. maybe I was just being impatient. The good thing is I only have a few pieces that need to be cleaned up, everything else is fairly new.

 

[drivesitfar]

aluminum foil wadded up in a loose ball dipped in water and then rubbed on chrome will do an amazing job. i'm going to try it this week on some chrome dumbbells and maybe add a few before and after pictures.

vinegar on it's own in a little bin you can just drop the tool in and come back later. now if you have aluminum i'm told that you shouldn't drop them in Vinegar, but most other steel type products should clean up pretty well.

Nice thread for you being a new member. keep learning and tell us what you do know and we all benefit.

good luck