Putting The Gleam On Old Tools

[ktravis]

I am in the process of sorting and cleaning a box of old leather tools I aquired. They had been stored in a basement at least 60 years. I am working on the Gomphs now, and they look respectable, but I would like them to gleam, the way some guys I have seen get them to look. How do you get that shine? Thanks in advance if you know the secret.

[Johanna]

Someone please write out the directions for cream of tartar cleaning. School open house in 15 minutes.

~J

did a quick search:

In an aluminum pan (I used a disposable one) and I have a stove top electric surface, heat up a couple of teaspoons of cream of tarter in water enough to cover the tools. Start heating it up and you'll see the water turn brownish as the rust leaves the tool.

Carl B. from the O-Mi-O Guild

[TwinOaks]

Or you can take a couple of scraps of leather, load them with your 'rouge' (polishing compound) and give your hands something to do while watching T.V.

[bruce johnson]

A mild polishing compound on a felt wheel, felt dremel points, and maybe a mild wire brush is what I use.

[WyomingSlick]

This is from an eBay guide I posted years ago. http://reviews.ebay....000000002529441

If you have leather stamps to sell that have a bit of rust on them, take a hint from Ron Ross at the International Internet Leathercrafter's Guild.

Note - this is generally for chrome-plated tools only! This mixture will corrode steel tools. It may be used on them but try it first with a "junker" first!

1. Disolve a teaspoon or two of cream of tarter in water in an ALUMINUM pan and heat on stove until simmering. Cream of tarter is found in the baking dept at the grocery store. Do not use a steel or iron pan as it will react with this mixture.

2. Remove excessive rust with super-fine steel wool ( 00 or 000 ) if called for. Submerge tools in pan and let them simmer awhile. Stir lightly from time to time and check for progress. You will see the water become cloudy as the rust is removed.

3. Check for progress from time to time and remove tools when satisfied. CAREFUL! Tools will be hot. Wipe residue off with fine steel wool or with Scotch-Brite pad. Rinse tools well in water and dry completely. A hair blower works great for this.

4. If you live in a high moisture area you may want to prevent future rusting. A very light coating of any of the commercial plastic spray coatings will work. I myself use Rain-X which is a micro-crystaline wax that can be found in the auto dept at stores. Just coat and buff; this will leave a fine layer of wax which will retard further rusting

P.S. For those who don't know what Cream of Tartar is - you can find it at the grocery store in the section where cooking items like spices, baking soda, etc are.

Edited May 8, 2010 by WyomingSlick