How to Remove Rust From Old Tools

Tools get rusty. It"s one of the things they do best. But they don"t have to stay rusty. The DIY experts at Stack Exchange offer a few solutions to keep your tools gleaming clean.

Question:

Should I use sandpaper to clean the rust off old tools? Can I soak them in vinegar or lemon juice?

Would I be better off just buying new tools?

— Larry Morries (originally asked here)

Answer: WD-40 + Scotch Brite or "Rust Free"

While I don"t use hand tools much, I certainly own a lot of hand tools. This happens when you sell them all day. Norm Abram at This Old House provides some pretty good tips on cleaning rust from tools.

His tips, summarized:

- First, store tools in a dry drawer or toolbox. Use silica gel packets to keep this place even more dry (you can find these at a hardware store or use the packs that come with pills, electronics, etc.).

But once rust appears...

- Spray with a penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 and scrub with a heavy-duty Scotch-Brite pad. Abram is very clear that you should NOT use sandpaper, as it tends to scratch metal.

For seriously rusted tools...

- "For more heavily rusted metal, try a spray-on, wipe-off, acid-based rust remover like Rust Free. Follow with a rust-inhibitor spray like Boeshield T-9, which leaves a

thin, waxy film on the surface. Wipe away any excess immediately."

Klein makes an excellent guide that covers nearly all hand tools they sell. Check out the free, downloadable PDF "Proper use and care of Hand Tools" available here.

Answer: Evapo-Rust

I"ve used this stuff and it"s amazing — one of the most amazing products I have ever put my hands on. I left a drill press in the rain for two years, and after soaking the parts in Evapo-Rust they were restored to near brand new.

Check out this old thread for some pics: How to clean rust in hard to reach places?

Answer: Naval Jelly

Yep. It works.

Answer: Steel Wool & Elbow Grease (or DIY Electrolysis)

I"ve always just used steel wool etc. and elbow grease.

But if you really want to get crafty, pull rust from your tools using electrolysis. Check out ToolNut"s step-by-step instructions on how to make a DIY electrolyzer for about $40 at instructables.com.

Think you know the secret to removing rust from old tools? Leave your suggestion in the comments or submit it at Stack Exchange, an expert knowledge exchange on diverse topics from software programming to cycling to scientific skepticism.

Original article and pictures take http://lifehacker.com/5897807/how-to-remove-rust-from-old-tools site


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