Rusty Tools

[borgward]

Read many instructions about removing rust from tools. Vinegar, regular strength or pickling strength. Apple cider vinegar. Add salt to vinegar - what does that add to the equation? Baking Soda paste.

How about applying Ospho after brushing and cleaning to stabilize microscopic rust?

I have some tools from a TR-4 toolkit that I never used much. They just looked grungy with a pewter like finish. They never did pick up any rust or corrosion from atmospheric moisture.

 

[Arc]

I just use the wire brush on the bench grinder followed by a lite coat of oil. Tools are meant to be used not to look pretty.

 

[TheOilWizard]

Light surface rust? Soak in WD-40 and rub it down with a rag. May need to repeat the process depending how bad it is.

You could also get one of those cotton buffing wheels that go on a drill to expedite the process.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I'm not sure salt would help ... that's generally the cause of things being rusty around here

 

[wavinwayne]

I soaked a rusty pair of Channellock pliers in vinegar for roughly a week, then added some table salt for the final 24 hours, followed by a water rinse, a soak in baking soda + water, then a final rinse. Worked like a charm, no more rust.

 

[BrendanC]

wire wheel followed by some WD-40. it is a water displacement spray afterall.

 

[JB250]

Wire brush, then soak in Evapo Rust for 24 Hrs. Wire brush again and it will be bright silver. Lightly oil.
(I refurbish old tools for fun)

 

[Donald]

EvapoRust will definitely get rid of rust with an overnight or 1 day soak. But don't soak for days as if will remove the rust but turn the item black.

 

[borgward]

Found out adding salt to vinegar creates hydrochloric acid.

 

[RyanY]

Found out adding salt to vinegar creates hydrochloric acid.

It makes tasty potato chips!

 

[ripcord]

It makes tasty potato chips!

So that's why they taste so good

 

[buck91]

Just buff with a fluid film soaked rag and wipe down unless they actually need reconditioning/restoring.