Vinegar, It Really Works!

[Renegade1LI]

After de-rusting a cast iron kettle last year using 50% vinegar and being amazed how well it worked I had to get some 99%. I had a bunch of c clamps that were pretty rusted,screws rusted in place and wire brushing only cleans so much.

I set up a plastic tote and poured in 2 gallons, put 2 clamps at a time and let soak for 24hrs. I did a little light brushing and was amazed how nice they came out, also did a rusted adj wrench. I did wire wheel the screws and put some pull on them till I figure out how to protect them.

I'm thinking of nickel plating or black oxide, either way I'll do a decent write up of the process. Whether or not it's cost effective is another story, 2 gallons of 99% vinegar = 60$ plus the plating and my time? I really just couldn't toss them and I hate using rusty tools, so what the heck. Unfortunately I didn't take any before pics but they were pretty well rusted. Also the vinegar doesn't degrade and can be strained and reused.

 

[whateg01]

It does work but it will also keep eating once the rust is gone. I've switched to the chelation formula some guy on YouTube figured out and have no complaints. 63g baking soda, 100g citric acid, 1l water. Cheap, effective. Only issue is it will grow stuff after a time so I only mix up what I need.

 

[Old tool guy]

Could you boil regular vinegar to drive off some of the diluting water?

 

[Renegade1LI]

So far the few things I've done and one was a year ago, I thoroughly washed with soap and water. None show any signs of degrading or rust appearing, but always open to any options.

 

[Wamsutta]

It sharpens files too, but don't let it sit in there more than 4 hours.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've been using regular 5% vinegar for years. Works fine.

 

[danielbuck]

citric acid (like for baking or canning) works even faster. and still super safe, don't need gloves (though you might want them) and can dump it down the drain. can also mix it with vinegar instead of water for a super strong mixture

Although, I've never used 99% vinegar, will have to try that!

 

[Chipm]

I feel like clamps need to be painted bright red. I did some homebrew black oxide, not too long ago that turned out really really well. That is a super cheap way to go. If you decide you want black – we had everything you need in our pantry.

 

[FrankLee]

citric acid (like for baking or canning) works even faster. and still super safe,

And using it with hot tap water works even better.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/craftsman-drill-press.227480/post-11655845

 

[danielbuck]

And using it with hot tap water works even better.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/craftsman-drill-press.227480/post-11655845

also in an ultrasonic cleaner. you get the acid, the heat, and the Ultrasonic waves

 

[Renegade1LI]

I feel like clamps need to be painted bright red. I did some homebrew black oxide, not too long ago that turned out really really well. That is a super cheap way to go. If you decide you want black – we had everything you need in our pantry.

I may try the black oxide, plus I have a few tools that could use to be done.