best rust removal for tools?

Dave H (MI) · Nov 24, 2021

I have this old steel rule, part of a set. Craftsman. Has some advanced surface rust. Nothing too deep. Wondering how to clean and do the least damage. I can do electrolysis or soak it in something...best method?

BarnyardEngineering · Nov 24, 2021

evaporust

Geo-TH,In · Nov 24, 2021

Rust removers are a mild acid.
Boy used acidic food acid.
I buy a gallon of baby vomit, phosphoric acid from Amazon.
It smells like most rust removers, only much cheaper.

Dilute and let any rusty tool soak overnight.
Rust is red. Iron is black.
Use steel wool and polish tools.

lpgasonly · Nov 24, 2021

Vinegar I did a bucket full of old rusty chains. They look like new.
Vinegar is cheap too.

redforlife · Nov 24, 2021

Oil and use. Found a pair of fencing pliers one time. Couldn't open or close them, they were rusted solid. Really bad surface rust completely all over them. Soaked em in oil untill I could force them open and closed. Worked em back and forth untill they were loose and free. Then used them untill they were shiney.
I wouldn't of messed with them, except they was a very old pair. A brand no longer even made. And you can't buy new ones as good as them anymore.

fixerupper · Nov 24, 2021

No chemicals needed. Rotary wire brush to get the rust out of the lines and depressions followed by 400 grit or finer sandpaper and some elbow grease. Once it is shined up it will rust again if it isnt protected with light oil or clear coat. You could get creative and dip a rag in white paint then wipe the ruler with the paint rag to highlite the measurement marks. Wipe the excess paint off before it dries. after the paint dries a light sanding might spruce it up. With those deep marks it should work pretty good. If the paint idea does not work as planned you can clean it back off with lacquer thinner and do it again. I have done this with old data plates on military vehicle restorations. If the plate is perfectly flat i can do a pretty good job. If the plate is not flat and the stamping is shallow its tough to get it right.

stevieb49829 · Nov 24, 2021

Once you get the rust off, any good rattle can of clear wood finish, such as Deft, or Minnwax Poly will keep it shiny, especially those that don't get used enough to keep them shiny. Clean with lacquer thinner before you spray. steve

Geo-TH,In · Nov 24, 2021

Vinegar is an mild acid.
Use what works and cheap.

Dennis Minn · Nov 24, 2021

Dave,

I'd buy an aerosol spray rust remover first, treat it and the striations will turn black (nice), then polish. That's make for a rust free rule and nice black lines,

D.

teddy52food · Nov 24, 2021

ATF & fine steel wool

jordan watson · Nov 24, 2021

Steel wool and wd40

Mike(NEOhio) · Nov 24, 2021

I have done that a couple of times. Wire brush as much as you can then Evaporust soak. Brush the black off and coat with LPS #1 and let it dry on. Better that WD.

bmack95hd · Nov 24, 2021

Used PB Blaster and a 320 grit pad. Turned out pretty good. Loaned the bandsaw to a friend and when he got his new saw I think he used it to spot his beer can. Rings and surface rust but cleaning up pretty well.

larry zielkowski · Nov 24, 2021

I agree used vinigar many times always a good job

Tony in SD · Nov 24, 2021

Texasmark · Nov 25, 2021

Naval Jelly works great on my tough jobs. I guess it gets its name from being used by the US Navy. You old salts may have had reason to use it.

best rust removal for tools?

Our Phone System is Down!

Please use the Contact us Form

We are working to resolve the issue ASAP! Thanks for your patience!

Dave H (MI)

Well-known Member

BarnyardEngineering

Well-known Member

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

lpgasonly

Member

redforlife

Well-known Member

fixerupper

Well-known Member

stevieb49829

Well-known Member

Geo-TH,In

Well-known Member

Dennis Minn

Member

teddy52food

Well-known Member

jordan watson

Member

Mike(NEOhio)

Well-known Member

bmack95hd

Well-known Member

larry zielkowski

Well-known Member

Tony in SD

Well-known Member

Texasmark

Well-known Member

Similar threads