So how do you deal with rusty chain?

[gatorgrabber]

I've seen plenty about rusty tools but what do you folks do about rusty chains, chain-binders, etc. that are used to hold loads onto a trailer? Greasy and oily isn't all that attractive/safe; any alternatives that holds rust at bay and has a dry surface? Thanks!

 

[T-Mac]

gloves!

 

[gatorgrabber]

I was hoping to take it one step further!

 

[A_Pmech]

I'd rather use ratchet straps than chain on most loads.

As far as keeping it rust free? I don't bother.

 

[gatorgrabber]

Agreed but there are some circumstances when chain is still preferred.

 

[coljar]

Depends on what they're used for. Chain hoist?, yeah I'll keep them clean and out of the weather. I'll keep chain binders slightly lubed. Chains on the trailer tongues will have to fend for themselves.

 

[holdover]

I use chain binders to hold the backhoe and such on the trailer. I usually wire brush and spray with rustoleum, in a color that doesn't get lost in the dirt...

 

[gatorgrabber]

How well has the Rustoleum held up (if properly applied)? I like the idea of painting those binders a nice, bright color.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

To clean them drag them down a gravel road.
To keep them rust free I spray them with a dry lubricant and keep them in a dry place (actually in a cotton or burlap sac). I also throw a few zinc wheel weights in with them (not sure if it helps).

 

[GarageWarrior]

I was hoping to take it one step further!

Sandblast and paint. Or use LPS 3 Rust Inhibitor if you don't want to sandblast. LPS 3 dries to a hard translucent amber film and is effective CPC (corrosion prevention compound). I performed salt spray corrosion testing on many CPCs and LPS 3 along with Fluid Film were some of the best. Paint would be most durable though and look better.

 

[Beemer533]

I use gloves or just buy stainless steel chain.

Its only $50 a foot, so not too bad...

 

[StingRay]

To hell with wire brushing or blasting. Throw it in a bucket with Evaporust. Rinse and paint or oil or whatever. If you want to save a buck throw it in some molasses and water. Takes a bit longer but will derust just as good. I wouldn't recommend anything very acidic as that could potentially weaken or embrittle the chain.

 

[jgreen-fsi]

As odd as it may sound, when mine get rusty and oily I drag them behind the truck at the farm. In the dirt of course. Doesn't take long and they are good as new.

 

[nmcqueen469]

Gravel road worked for me. Been in a milk crate with a light misting of WD40 since then and they still look great.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4110204&postcount=27

 

[gatorgrabber]

It looks like I'm not the only one who doesn't like rusty chains! Thanks for the variety of tips, I'll work my way through them. Rust is a constant battle here with our consistently high humidity.

 

[countryroad82]

I don't feel right when I have a new chain! I just keep mine I. The back of the truck and forget about it.

 

[schmelpboy]

Is that like a **************?

 

[Mike Miller]

Toss them in a cement mixer with some gravel, great way to get even with a noisy neighbor.

 

[gatorgrabber]

I like how you think!

 

[slip knot]

I keep my chains in a 5 gallon bucket. Grab the tow hooks and drop the chain in the bucket. Hang the hooks , paired up, on the edge. I can keep 8-10 chains in the bucket and can pull out any one I want by grabbing the hooks and pulling it out. Even the chain on the bottom pulls out easy enough. Doesn't keep the rust at bay but it makes them easier to deal with.

 

[Syberia]

Gloves. If I clean them up they'll just rust again.

Sent from my Tricorder using Tapatalk

 

[ScaldedDog]

To hell with wire brushing or blasting. Throw it in a bucket with Evaporust. Rinse and paint or oil or whatever. If you want to save a buck throw it in some molasses and water. Takes a bit longer but will derust just as good. I wouldn't recommend anything very acidic as that could potentially weaken or embrittle the chain.

This! This! A thousand times this! I just cleaned up my chains this way, and they look great. Sprayed em with WD40 to slow rust formation.

Mark

 

[mikeburris]

I hooked mine on the back of the mower and dragged it around while mowing. Works pretty good