How to Clean Rusty Tools
Wash away dirt and grease., Start with the areas most corroded by rust., Scrub the rust with a coarse sandpaper or steel wool., Remove the remaining rust and unevenness with fine-grit sandpaper., Rinse and dry your tools.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Wash away dirt and grease.
Mix grease-cutting dish detergent into warm water until you get suds.
Place the tools into the soapy water.
While the tools are submerged, scrub them using a sponge or rag until the oil and dirt are gone, then remove the tools from the water.The soap and water should mix more easily if you pour the detergent into the bowl before adding the water.
Dry the items well enough for you to grip them while you sand the rust. -
Step 2: Start with the areas most corroded by rust.
Look for the thick patches of rust and start there.
While you’ll clean away all of the rust, the process is easier if you work from thick rust to surface rust.
For example, you’ll want to scrub off the flakes of rust before you attack the inset rust., Choose a coarse grit to begin scrubbing as it will make it easier for you to scrape off the rust.
If the sandpaper gets dull, switch to a new sheet. , Work over your piece with the fine-grit sandpaper to remove any fine speckles of rust and restore the shine to the metal.
The softer quality of the paper should prevent damaging the metal of the tool.
If your tool still has rust, then you may need to try a chemical remover., Once all of the rust has been sanded away, rinse your tools under clean running water to remove any debris.
Dry them using a clean cloth or rag, making sure that no wetness remains.
If you do not get your tools completely dry, more rust can develop. -
Step 3: Scrub the rust with a coarse sandpaper or steel wool.
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Step 4: Remove the remaining rust and unevenness with fine-grit sandpaper.
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Step 5: Rinse and dry your tools.
Detailed Guide
Mix grease-cutting dish detergent into warm water until you get suds.
Place the tools into the soapy water.
While the tools are submerged, scrub them using a sponge or rag until the oil and dirt are gone, then remove the tools from the water.The soap and water should mix more easily if you pour the detergent into the bowl before adding the water.
Dry the items well enough for you to grip them while you sand the rust.
Look for the thick patches of rust and start there.
While you’ll clean away all of the rust, the process is easier if you work from thick rust to surface rust.
For example, you’ll want to scrub off the flakes of rust before you attack the inset rust., Choose a coarse grit to begin scrubbing as it will make it easier for you to scrape off the rust.
If the sandpaper gets dull, switch to a new sheet. , Work over your piece with the fine-grit sandpaper to remove any fine speckles of rust and restore the shine to the metal.
The softer quality of the paper should prevent damaging the metal of the tool.
If your tool still has rust, then you may need to try a chemical remover., Once all of the rust has been sanded away, rinse your tools under clean running water to remove any debris.
Dry them using a clean cloth or rag, making sure that no wetness remains.
If you do not get your tools completely dry, more rust can develop.
About the Author
Martha Mitchell
Brings years of experience writing about lifestyle and related subjects.
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