getting rust off tools

[BrokenBiker]

relating a bit to my post about my aquired box of tools, i have gained a stilsons, approx 60 years ol according to the old guy downstairs

problem is, its covered in deep rust

the tool still functions well and is still strong, but i hate rust and am a bit ocd about clean tools

how can i get all of the rust off without sand blasting?

 

[Dev]

Would that trick of putting 2p pieces in brown sauce overnight work? Or was that just for copper alloys...

 

[Fazed]

Get a gallon of vinegar from Asda (other retailers are available) and soak rusty toolage in said vinegar for a couple of days. It helps to wire brush the worst of it off, and also give them a swill in paraffin to degrease them first.

 

[Engineer1964]

Normally a Good Spray with WD40 and a rag would get the most off, even some wire wool would get the most subborn bits off and then a good soaking or spray should get the bulk of it off

You can even use Vinegar and baking soda if you want to be a bit greener, take a peek here http://www.ehow.com/video_4950783_home-remedies-removing-rust-tools.html

 

[BrokenBiker]

cool, thanks guys

 

[blacksmithstris]

i use vinegar on stuff that either i want to de-scale after forging, or just to get the rust off, it works brilliantly. I just have an old washing up bowl on one of my shelves full of it, and drop stuff in to leave overnight or a few days, etc. If you have long bits that need soaking, a bit of guttering with the ends sealed makes a nice trough to put the vinegar in. wash thoroughly afterwards, and oil.

 

[BrokenBiker]

will cider vinegar do it?

i was instructed by the doctor to drink a shot of it twice a day as i suffer with eczema, and apparently cider vinegar stops redness and itching. it does, but it also causes painful stomach cramps and really bad toothache

so i have like 4 n half bottles of the stuff left over

 

[blacksmithstris]

yes, i imagine so, will just be a bit stinky!

 

[BrokenBiker]

it smells (and tastes ) just like vinegar, it just looks like dry cider

shall give it a go and see what happens

 

[Robotstar5]

and find another doctor

 

[500e]

http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp
this will remove heavy rust as well

 

[s410man]

i just strip the part down into as many parts as possible, wire brush with a angle grinder, wipe clean and repaint

 

[zzr1200]

and find another doctor

And leave the "Witch" off the front....

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Have a look at the Bilt Hamber range of products, brilliant stuff!!

Not as cheap as vinegar though.

 

[kelsham]

citric acid bought of ebay is very good. It seems to mimic Bilt Hambers Deox but much less expensive. I find it leaves a nice gray coloured finish. One wing stay I left in the garage after treatment is still untouched by further rusting after a year.

Kels.

 

[busastars]

The method you want to do is Electrolysis, cheap and simple.

Get a plastic container, gallon of water mixed with some Daz washing powder, battery charger on one end of the tool and the other end on a piece of steel.

I'm rubbish at explaining things but some real easy step by step explanations out there. Google "Electrolysis rust removal"

I've done it with the inside of a petrol tank and it worked a treat.

 

[Cobs]

Bilt Hamber Deox C or Fertan http://www.fertan.co.uk/

 

[BrokenBiker]

The method you want to do is Electrolysis, cheap and simple.

Get a plastic container, gallon of water mixed with some Daz washing powder, battery charger on one end of the tool and the other end on a piece of steel.

I'm rubbish at explaining things but some real easy step by step explanations out there. Google "Electrolysis rust removal"

I've done it with the inside of a petrol tank and it worked a treat.

explaination was perfect. have given it a go on an old spanner and it worked great

 

[MattF]

Electrolysis is a good method. I've found that if you leave a slight layer of the black residue on the tool when you clean it afterwards, (wash it in hot soapy water, and that will also cause it to dry rapidly, practically preventing the flash rust which some freshly done parts can be prone to), that seems to make a good coating for absorbing and retaining a coat of oil.

p.s: There are a couple of good pages on the subject, linked to towards the bottom of this page:

http://www.oldengine.org/members/allen/techindex.html

 

[BrokenBiker]

once i get a big enough tub or bucket, i plan on using electrolosis, then painting it with hammerite just to keep it from rusting again, and i like black tools