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intrepidity

(7,891 posts)
Fri Sep 24, 2021, 02:38 PM Sep 2021

Rusty tool rehab

Have been researching best methods lately; used to be I'd throw them in vinegar for awhile then scrub the rust off.

But, learned the hard way that too long and damage can occur.

So, am leaning towards Evapo-Rust, since it is a non-toxic chelator that will never damage the material. Just need to get some.

But after that, then what? On many tools, the shiny part is gone--what spray puts that back? Like, if a tool had anodized aluminum parts, and vinegar (let's say) removed it, how do you (easily) restore it and also protect against future oxidation?

For small pieces, is clear nail polish an option?

Also, while most items will be iron/steel, not all parts are--there might be parts that include zinc, for example, or aluminum, or brass, or copper, etc.

What tips do you know? Or good reference guide links?

I want to get started on it without falling down too deep of a rabbit hole researching it to death.

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Rusty tool rehab (Original Post) intrepidity Sep 2021 OP
There untold videos on YouTube about restoring tools. Thomas Hurt Sep 2021 #1
Oh, I know, been watching them, love them nt intrepidity Sep 2021 #2
I like watching the antique tool restorations myself. Thomas Hurt Sep 2021 #3
I just watched the fractal vise one yesterday intrepidity Sep 2021 #4
ha! it WAS in DIY Kali Sep 2021 #5
Was that amazing or what? intrepidity Sep 2021 #6
just amazing, what a fascinating tool. Kali Sep 2021 #7
I have a cast iron skillet I'm thinking of trying soaking it in vinegar. Hotler Oct 2021 #8

Thomas Hurt

(13,925 posts)
3. I like watching the antique tool restorations myself.
Fri Sep 24, 2021, 03:23 PM
Sep 2021

I think I have seen about every method to remove rust in them though.

intrepidity

(7,891 posts)
6. Was that amazing or what?
Sun Sep 26, 2021, 06:09 PM
Sep 2021

I want one of those so badly!

I'm about to dive into electrolysis and electroplating... So tired of finding rusty tools etc in my drawers!

Anyone know if I should plate with zinc or nickel, or which is appropriate when/where?

Kali

(55,735 posts)
7. just amazing, what a fascinating tool.
Sun Sep 26, 2021, 06:34 PM
Sep 2021

as for plating, I have no idea. I am fortunate to live in a mostly dry climate - sometimes too damn dry! so rust isn't my biggest problem. light coat of oil and bringing things in when it rains is about all I have to worry about.

Hotler

(12,164 posts)
8. I have a cast iron skillet I'm thinking of trying soaking it in vinegar.
Sun Oct 17, 2021, 10:41 AM
Oct 2021

Put a wire wheel on a drill and remove as much as you can. WD-40 maybe...

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