Things You'll Need:
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Brillo Pads
- 5 gallon bucket
- Sand
- Used Motor Oil
- Rustoleum Paint
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Step 1
Garden ToolsTools can become rusty for many different reasons. Removing rust from garden tools and keeping it away is now easier than before. You don't need expensive rust removal chemicals to clean your tools. Keep your new tools looking great or save some old antiques using the rust removal tips below.
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Step 2
Solution for RustScrub rusty tools with a Brillo pad that has been dipped in white vinegar to clean them. If the rust is heavier you can soak the tools in a distilled white vinegar bath. The acid in the vinegar will help to lift the rust and the Brillo pads will get into the finer cracks and crevices. Rusty garden tools can be cleaned easily this way without harsh, expensive chemicals. Wear rubber gloves when removing rust from your garden tools.
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Step 3
Tools in a bucketNow that you have safely removed rust from your garden tools, you need a rust proof way to store them and keep them in good working order. Fill a 5 gallon bucket 1/2 way full with sand and mix in some used motor oil. If you do not have used motor oil you can use some inexpensive baby oil for this job. Mix the oil and sand well and store your tools in this bucket. The sand will act as an abrasive deterring future rust and the oil keeps your tools conditioned. This is also an effective way to store garden tools through the winter time. Mechanics tools can be rust free and conditioned the same way.
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Step 4
Rustoleum Spray PaintSometimes we are forgetful when it comes to maintenance of our gardening tools. If you are looking for a more permanent solution for rust removal and prevention you can lightly coat your garden tools with Rustoleum spray paint. Rustoleum manufactures a full line of paint products. Remove the rust from your tools using the vinegar and Brillo pad solution. Spray a coat of Rustoleum primer and then a coat of any other color of Rustoleum paint that you prefer.









Comments
Susang6 said
on 3/15/2009 Thanks for the useful tips on how to clean the rust from my garden tools. I would think this would work for shovels too!
goodselfme said
on 2/28/2009 I just wrote an article about white vinegar. I will use some of that on my rusty tools. Thank you for the maintenance of the tools afterwards too. 5* and a recommend from the ring.
aew4 said
on 2/25/2009 Great tips, very thorough instructions. 5*
Wasatch said
on 2/23/2009 Good tip for garden tools.
xxdesertash said
on 2/22/2009 Great technique on cleaning the rust from the garden tools!