Old tools

[excossack]

I was asked if I wanted some old tools that a friends dad had. So popped along and here is what I came back with: ( I could not leave them to get binned/scrapped!)





Some tools are branded B.R, LMS, Superslim. They came in two wooden boxes and one wooden tool tray. There is a selection of files, drills, hammers and some sockets.

Is there a good way of cleaning off the old crap that has accumulated over time?

 

[pedrobedro]

Citric acid might help clean them up.

 

[MattF]

Electrolysis would be my suggestion. Citric acid is extremely hit and miss as to how it'll work with things like that. Half the stuff will really end up looking like crap if you use a citric solution.

 

[sardine]

Wire brush on a grinder gets a nice old polished finish on old tools.

 

[rtcosic]

Another vote for electrolysis. Sure to avoid damage.

 

[chunkolini]

Best option is just give them to me.

 

[mike os]

when I saw the title I thought this was about some of the members....

 

[Tigman]

who you calling an old tool ?

 

[mike os]

 

[sardine]

Wouldn't mind that wooden crate hung on my wall.

( describes some of the members on here too )

 

[excossack]

That wooden crate is all mine!
Cheers for the replies. Is electrolysis something I can do at home?

 

[MattF]

Yup. Just do a search on Google for "rust removal electrolysis". It pretty much amounts to a container of water with an alkali added, (sodium carbonate is the main one suggested, but bicarb or lye will also work fine), and a 12V or variable power supply. Negative connects to the piece being derusted and positive connects to the sacrificial anode(s).

I've attached a photo of a setup. It's one I've just set up. The four anodes in the corners are old cast iron sash weights. Those are connected to positive on the power supply. The alkali in that is washing soda, (readily available in the laundry detergents section of most supermarkets, Wilko's etc.), which consists mainly of sodium carbonate. The piece being derusted/cleaned is suspended from those two pieces of wood, and then a wire connected to it and negative on the PSU.

 

[brightspark]

who you calling an old tool ?

probably anyone and if the cap fits wear it

 

[wristpin]

Is electrolysis something I can do at home?

So long as your bath is plastic!