How to Remove Rust From Tools

Introduction

Tools can last for years if you take care of them. But don't worry; if your favorite shovel has gotten a tad rusty, it's a snap to make tools shiny as new.

By: Willi Galloway

Length: 4:57

Comments: 1

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Easy

Step1

If you have a bench vise, clamp the tool into it with the blade facing down. If you don't have a vice you can do tool maintenance on a solid concrete surface.

Step2

Coat the blade with kerosene or a penetrating oil.

Step3

Brush downward, using steel wool or a wire brush. Depending on how rusty the blade is, you may need both.

Step4

Wipe away the rust residue with a soft brush or cloth. Then wash the blade in warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.

Step5

If the wooden handle of your tool is splintery, sand it lightly with fine sandpaper and then rub the handle with linseed oil to prevent the wood from drying out.

Step6

Prevent rust by cleaning your tools thoroughly after every use. An easy way to coat them in oil is to fill a 5-gallon bucket with sand and dump two quarts of vegetable oil into it. Using a trowel, thoroughly combine the oil and sand. Before putting your tools away, dunk them into the bucket of sand. It will come out with a light coating of oil.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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on 1/4/2006 I keep a 5 gallon bucket in my tool shed full of play sand. To this, I add 1 quart of used motor oil. When I am done using the tools, I simply push the blade into the bucket and work it a few times. This not only cleans the dirt and grime from the blade, it also serves the purpose of oiling without a dripping mess. Don't use too much oil, 1 quart in a 5 gallon bucket works just fine. This keeps the sand from sticking to the blade. Afterward, I wipe the blade with an old rag, my tools stay clean, sharp, and rust-free.

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