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How to clean rust?

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 9:41 am
by Layla
How to clean rust without aggressive chemicals and scratching metal brushes / sanding paper?

I heard about soaking 16h in white vinegar or coca cola. Any suggestions?

I don't have tools for a electrolysis rust removal process.

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 3:19 pm
by 12jslater
For electrolysis you only need a transformer from mains to dc 6-12v is best, get a cheap mobile phone charger (for about £2)an old spoon as an electrode, a non metallic bowl and some salt and you're set.

Otherwise I used to use white vinegar which takes elbow grease.

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 6:20 am
by Dave D
Evaporust works wonders and is safe for you and your parts. I get it at auto parts stores.
Dave D

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 4:20 pm
by Retrograde
Dave D wrote:Evaporust works wonders and is safe for you and your parts. I get it at auto parts stores.
Dave D
I second this recommendation for removal. I got it at Walmart.

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 7:20 pm
by Curt A
Since there are not many Walmarts in Europe, you can order EvapoRust from the following website in the UK:
https://www.frost.co.uk/evapo-rust-supe ... allon.html
https://www.frost.co.uk/answer-question ... infomation

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2017 6:04 am
by Layla
Thank you. First I will soak every part in white spirit. Then I will soak it for 16h in white vinegar and brush it gently.

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2017 4:32 am
by Layla
I am happy with the results. When I fix the gramophone I'll post pictures of it.

First I soaked the metal parts in white spirit for 24h to degrease.

Then I brushed (cleaned) them and soak them for about 14h in white vinegar.

However apple cider vinegar should work better, I used white vinegar :)

Then I brushed it again and let it soak again for 3-4 hours.

All metal parts were was black/dark gray. I cleaned them with dishsoap + dish Sponge and make them shiny again. After drying it was clearly visible that rust was coming back. Then I made a bath with water and baking soda and soak them for an hour, I don't know if this was useful.

I oiled it as a protection against corrosion and oxidation. The parts are rust free :)

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2017 10:16 am
by briankeith
I built four of these - all different sizes - easy and cheap to build - I feel this is the best and safest way to remove rust and crudy old grease and paint. Watch!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ADeB6V1rQ

Just remember to use WASHING soda not BAKING soda - big big difference!

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Sun Dec 10, 2017 2:33 am
by Ultraphon
I'm using spirit vinegar (8% solution as it's sold here).Must be thoroughly neutralized, otherwise the metal will catch rust again.

Re: How to clean rust?

Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:02 pm
by oldphonographsteve
This may be a bit unconventional, but I have used diet Pepsi in the past to remove inordinate amounts of rust from a crank. I just let it soak for several hours and after that, I scrubbed it hard with steel wool. All the rust came off!

-Stephen