Vise grip question

[Jr5]

Hi again all,

This is probably the last tool that I can post (that was my Dads) that somehow traveled with me through time at age 55. I am fortunate enough to end up with it at this point in my life.

All I know is it’s been through hell and been, several times Lol


I believe these are one of the “original” Peterson “ViceGrips, although I’m not sure what they’re called.

Is there anyway to restore them? (chrome) to their original beauty? I will still use them, however I’d simply love to have them as “new” for the next lifetime of service.

It’s a matter of sentiment…

John

 

[d42jeep]

Last Friday I went to an estate sale and one of the tools I picked up was a pair of Visegrips. If they are a little rusty I don’t worry too much about it because generally evaporust works wonders on improving their appearance. When they come out of the evaporust I use a small hand wire brush to remove the dark areas left by the evaporust. Here are some before and after pictures.
Here are some of the tools cleaned up.

-Don

 

[Jr5]

Wow they look great. Thanks Don

 

[matthew]

What do you do to prevent further rusting? Anything? Paste wax? Fluid Film?

 

[Shiftless]

I recommend Fluid Film.
Some people use paste wax.

 

[d42jeep]

I wipe them down with Fluid Film as well.
-Don

 

[Jr5]

Where can I buy evaporust? I’ve never seen it anywhere

 

[RTM]

Amazon, Harbor Freight, Home Depot used to carry it, not certain anymore.

 

[Jr5]

Amazon, Harbor Freight, Home Depot used to carry it, not certain anymore.

Thanks. I will look- I’ve never seen it before

 

[d42jeep]

I’ve bought it on sale at Amazon most recently, I’ve bought it at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts as well although it‘s more expensive there.
-Don

Amazon.com

 

[Jr5]

Thanks I will look there

 

[JEFinCLE]

I would suggest a more conservative approach if you want to maintain the chrome. Evaporust is likely to bubble the plating where the rust is the worst. Try a metal polish. My favorite is AutoSol, but Flitz is very similar and easier to find. Most auto parts stores have it. Another very similar product is SimiChrome. All three of them work the same...smear a little dab on, rub vigorously, give it a minute, buff it off with a clean part of your rag. Magic.

As others stated, follow up with a Fluid Film wipe down. It's almost as good for your hands as it is for your tools.