Rusted tools

[IPACA9]

I brought this rusted 21 piece Pittsburgh 3/4 metric drive set home from moms house. The corner of the front entrance had been leaking and this got some of that damage. How would you go about cleaning these up? They're cheap but might be handy or something that I would let someone use instead of my more expensive ones.

Supposed to look like this

But looks like this

 

[trackwelder]

Evaporust

 

[jimbbski]

If the sockets and extensions are plated they should clean up with a good wash with a mild acid solution like "Lime Away" or even vinegar. The rust is from the case and that will need some soaking in a rust removal solution or sand blasted.

 

[IPACA9]

Really doesn't look to bad after closer examination. When I first opened it I had a "oh no" moment but I think they'll be alright.

 

[gdocktor3]

Its the pitting that isn't going to go away. Especially on that ratchet handle. Yikes!

You could always just go exchange them for new ones at HF....

 

[jakemac]

Dip in CLR, its gentler on chrome than eveporust.

 

[KnurledNut]

I would probably wirewheel the drive tools, followed with an oily rag, and soak the sockets in vinegar for a couple days, followed with a rinse and wd40.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I would probably wirewheel the drive tools, followed with an oily rag, and soak the sockets in vinegar for a couple days, followed with a rinse and wd40.

They look bad in the picture, if the picture is worse than it really is, I might try some 0000 steel wool before the wire wheel, then the oily rag. If it doesn't give the desired results, you cal always get out the wire wheel

 

[IPACA9]

Got to use a tool to work on a tool...lol

 

[SuitorsGarage]

WD-40 and a scotch-brite pad first. You might be surprised.

 

[Davefr]

WD-40 and a scotch-brite pad first. You might be surprised.

^^^Agree!! That's always Plan A. (cheap, easy and can be very effective).

There a ton of Plan B's if that doesn't produce the results you're after.

 

[Jazz1]

After cleaning I would be taking the ratchet apart and packing with grease. Wipe everything down with a light oil for storage. May not be a set that gets used lots but sure handy to have a 3/4" drive set. Go large and repaint the box

 

[G_P]

I bet most of that will wipe off with a damp rag. Looks like most of it is just iron residue stuck onto the chrome.

 

[dutchgray]

For what those sets cost the most I would do is spray some WD40 in there close it up and put it away until I needed them.

 

[IPACA9]

Right. I just figured if someone needed to use them I'd prefer them to vs my snapon or Mac set. I inherited a LOT of tools in 2014 on too of the mass that I had myself. Lost my father-n-law in July, 2014. He owned a mechanic shop for 30+ years. The family gave me all his tools. Then my father passed Dec 2014 right after to which I have all his tools. My father was more of the machinist and woodworking handyman type so I'm just busting at the seams with tools but they're all sentimental and will have a place and use.

 

[IPACA9]

The shop trailer that had the sockets in it. The corner of its roof got a leak in it and dripped down onto the socket box. My father had actually three shops on the property with tools and we keep finding tool boxes loaded in different places that he picked up at garage sales or auctions. He had the trailer shop, one built into the back deck of the house ans one in the corner of their 40x62 building. Some really cool stuff that I'll put into a garage thread I'm about to post.

 

[ScottsGT]

Why WD-40 and not a true rust dissolver? I say PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench.

 

[SuitorsGarage]

Why WD-40 and not a true rust dissolver? I say PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench.

Most people have it. Works good and leaves a thin film. I now for sure that a scotch-brite won't break down with it. Other than that, just personal preference. I use all kinds of lubes but that is about the only thing I use WD-40 for.

Looks to me like the box rusted more than the tools. And X2 on taking the ratchet apart.

 

[KnurledNut]

IPACA9, cool pics. That easco board is unique!
Those kind of shops are usually packed with personality.

 

[IPACA9]

I've got a whole lot more. Stuff we can't even get to till I move a few things.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

White vinegar works well for breaking down rust, I bought a gallon jug of "cleaning" vinegar (same stuff but cheaper than food grade) and have been working on the same jug for a couple years. Used it to refurbish this Delta table saw along with a scraper and a scotchbrite pad (apparently the pic uploaded sideways, finished product on the bottom, in progress on the top.)

 

[RRmech]

White vinegar and then soak for 24 hours.
Green pad and then rinse off with water.
Dry tools off well.

Steve