How to Remove Rust From Steel Tools
This article will tell you how to remove rust easily from steel tools. This will get into crevices, etchings, and roughened surfaces and remove rust in a snap with very little effort and in the most environmentally friendly way. Read on!! Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Potable drinking water.
- Bucket or container large enough for your antique to fit into.
- Cleaning rags.
- Evapo-Rust Rust Remover
Instructions
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1
Purchase a bottle of rust remover. Look for a brand that contains chelation agents such as Evapo-Rust to be environmentally friendly. I have found that Evapo-Rust works best. You can find Evapo-Rust at AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, Tractor Supply Co., and also at Evapo-Rust.com.
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Scrape any dirt or rust from the steel tool surface with an slightly abrasive cloth. Remember Evapo-Rust will not hurt plastic or wood parts of a tool, but it will remove rust which includes blueing and it will also remove some kinds of paint...
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Place the tool in a plastic bucket of Evapo-Rust. Use a plastic bucket so that the cleaner doesn't react with it.
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Leave the steel tool submerged in the rust remover solution according to the directions on the label. The time it takes to remove the rust is dependent on how rusty the steel is before it is submerged. For normal rust conditions, 30 minutes to an hour will do. Also the temperature will have an effect. The warmer it is, the faster it will react.
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After the prescribed time has elapsed, take the piece out of the bucket and rinse the rust remover off with fresh drinkable water. Carefully wipe the down the surface of the steel tool with a clean rag to remove any rust particles that didn't dissipate.
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Repeat the process if there are still areas of rust left. It's not unusual for heavily rusted items to take more than one application.
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Once all rust is removed, dip one more time for just a minute or two. When it dries (let it air dry with Evapo-Rust on the surface), this will also apply a protective coating on the antique's surface to provide longer-term protection.
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Do Not discard, but save used Evapo-Rust until it has been proven not to remove rust. You will be surprised at how long this stuff will continue to work long after it is dark and murky-looking. I suggest keeping a container in your shop at all times for use whenever you need it. Remember to seal it with a cover, because it will Evaporate as the name suggests...
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Tips & Warnings
Relax and enjoy all the time you are saving by doing this method...
Using acid-based rust removers can be harmful to your environment, so use this method and you'll be coming out ahead...
Resources
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Comments
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evapo-rust. looks like quality stuff.
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helpful article. any desire to update the picture though? It's pretty pixelated
