De-Rusting Tools

[iwannarv]

I have a couple flush rivet sets and bucking bars that need a quick touch up after sitting in a moist environment (barn room). What's the best way to re-polish some light rust off of these? Lightly touch them to a scotchbrite wheel?

 

[videobobk]

Light touch with the wheel is best. It shouldn't take much, and keep them turning. A "home remedy" rust remover is to soak in 1/3 blackstrap molasses, 2/3 water for a few days. Believe it or not, it works!

Bob

 

[scard]

Steel parts on a scotchbrite wheel (or any other type of abrasive for that matter) that is later intended to finish aluminum aircraft parts is ill advised due to embedding very small steel particles in the aluminum.

 

[KTM520guy]

http://www.evaporust.com/

The machine shop I work part time in uses this. It's good stuff.

 

[rv9aviator]

Plain old toilet bowl cleaner will remove rust. Soak for a few minutes then wash with hot soap and water. Dry and apply a little oil or WD-40.

 

[Mike D]

Soak in Simple Green for a few days. The regular type, not the one for aviation. Then wash with water and coat in light oil (wd40 or rejectX)

 

[jdeas]

Vibrating Tumbler

Harbor Freight sells rust cutting media made to remove rust without rounding off edges. I have disassembled and removed the rust from many second hand tools using my vibrating tumbler with this media. Just wash and dry the media between uses.

 

[iwannarv]

Steel parts on a scotchbrite wheel (or any other type of abrasive for that matter) that is later intended to finish aluminum aircraft parts is ill advised due to embedding very small steel particles in the aluminum.

I hadn't thought of that, thanks for the tip. I'll try some of the simple green or toilet cleaner remedies and see how they come out.

 

[DCat22]

...was about the start a thread on the same topic. The yoke on my squeezer which has been around for at least a few years un-rusted owned by tother folks...started getting rust after being in my Garage for just a few weeks.

 

[N15JB]

Another way for badly rusted items or complicated surfaces is to use electrolytic derusting. This technique can also be used on things that are not all metal, like tools with a wood or plastic handle. I have used it several times to reclaim old hand planes that had frozen/rusted adjusters, screws, etc.

http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/rust/electrolytic_derusting.htm

Jim Berry
RV-10