Surface Rust On Tools

[Doc Reaper]

I just got hold of some tools that are from the 80s, a few have some rust on them and the finish is off a couple of the bevelers (contact face). I got these tools for a song so I could not say no (about $600 in today's value). Maybe a toothbrush and mild soap? Or should I use a different method?

[Northmount]

I just got hold of some tools that are from the 80s, a few have some rust on them and the finish is off a couple of the bevelers (contact face). I got these tools for a song so I could not say no (about $600 in today's value). Maybe a toothbrush and mild soap? Or should I use a different method?

Here is a link to some ideas. There are commercial products out there to do the job. Some are listed in the link. http://lifehacker.com/5897807/how-to-remove-rust-from-old-tools

You can find may more ideas and methods using Google. You can even use electrolysis to reverse the action of the rust.

Except for electrolysis, I would stay away from water. That's what causes the rust to start with. Be wary of any method that involves a lot of scratching like wire brush, emery paper etc. It depends where it is on the tool. Adding scratches to the face of a stamp, or abrading the pattern is not something you want to do. Brass brushes generally won't damage steel surfaces since the brass is soft.

Be cautious of strong acids and other chemicals.

With all the different rust removal methods out there, think about what the results are that you want, use some common sense, and you should be able to reclaim these tools without causing further problems.

Tom

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Depends on how much rust you have.

For smooth faced tools

0000 steel wool, and oil

600 grit or finer sandpaper

light touch on a buffing wheel

For more complicated tool faces (basket weaves etc.)

a very fine bead blast will do the trick

Naval Jelly , or other rust removers that can be found at hardware, or automotive paint supply houses

[King's X]

I purchase some small lots every now and than.....I have had much success with C.L.R. I soak them (while keeping an eye on them) in a small tub of C.L.R. and sometimes will massage them with my fingers. I take them out of the container and wipe them down.

Good luck!

[electrathon]

Steel whool is my suggestion.

For those that are beyond saving, return them to tandy, they are guarantied.

[switzforge]

I have used Evapo Rust with good results

http://www.theruststore.com/Evapo-Rust-P1C21.aspx?gclid=CKKRxo2xo7YCFRCmPAodqQcACg

This place has lots of rust removal options

[Durand W]

Try wood bleach, gets rust off chrome. Used it to take rust off my bike that was packed away for 30 years.

[Santo]

I agree with wood bleach( oxycylic acid) it does the job. Some guys use it in place of lemon juice to take the stains off their leather projects. Use a small fish tank heater and it speeds the process up.

[shtoink]

I have used the Evapo Rust with excellent results. I had anticipated that it wouldn't work all that well, but I was blown away.

I put it through its paces by testing everything in it. I did find that you really want the item to be completely submerged in the liquid or you'll end up with a blackened line right where the item is exposed. It's also not very reusable. What I mean is that it it has a certain amount of iron oxide that it'll react with per unit of volume and once it's done, it's done. You just dump it down the drain and pour in more.

It took bluing off very fast, but that's because it's also a form of iron oxide. Oddly, I also found that fruit flies like to die in it for some strange reason.

[SteelcityK9Cop]

Take a ride out to Wallmart... they usually have some CLP Breakfree in the Gun / Hunting section. Soak your rusty tools in it overnight and then hit it lightly with some steel wool. The Breakfree is a gun quality rust preventative and works very well as a rust remover.