Reviving old hand tools?

[MikeL]

I'm looking to clean up/repair some old hand tools that belonged to my grandfather. There are a couple of planes (Bailey & Handyman) along with hand drills, wrenches, and other misc. tools.

How can I go about bringing these back to life? Most of the tools are covered in rust. I'd appreciate any insight.

Mike

 

[Monty]

There's nothing like Scotch-Brite pads and elbow grease to get rid of the grime. Most of the old rusty stuff can be dealt with using nothing more than maybe some wd40 and scotch-brite. If it looks like it needs something more serious than that - post pics and you'll get more specific advice.

 

[JimmyC]

I've got to agree with Monty, on hand tools I'd use scotchbrite and WD-40. If the rust is real heavy you could use Naval Jelly (phosphoric acid) and scotchbrite or use a battery charger and solution ( maybe another member could help, because I've never done it). It's definitely worth trying, if for no reason other than them being your grandfathers.

Good luck.

Jimmy

 

[gator]

I don't have a link to any of his posts, but Bruce (JunqueCol) has posted on several occasions/forums on how to do electrolysis to get rust off. Maybe he will jump in here with a link (or new instructions).

George

 

[DaveO]

All you need is Ready Kilowatt to come by and make those rust-blues go away

Or you could try electrolytic rust removal, but without the hat :lol::lol:
http://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/rust/electrolytic_derusting.htm
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm
http://www3.telus.net/public/aschoepp/electrolyticrust.html
http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-aka-Magic/
HTH,
Dave

 

[junquecol]

Beware of wearing Roger's head gear when there is a chance of thunderstorms. Check out Nelson's post on electrolysis in the tips and tricks section. I find washing soda at Kroger in my area. Seems no one else carries it.

 

[mshel]

The latest craze in rust removal is citric acid. Lots of folks over at WN are using it with favorable results. You might also try "Evaporust" which may be available locally at one of the auto parts stores. Can't vouch for either but reviews for both seem to be positive.

YMMV

Mike

 

[nelsone]

I found washing soda at Harris Teeter. Electrolysis works pretty well. Besides its fun! Kinda of like playing a mad scientist!:5zombie:

 

[Jonz]

Evaporust definitely works but keep an eye on them and don't forget about it like I did once. It is not a harsh chemical or anything like that but it'll remove more than you want if you leave it in too long.

 

[jglord]

Instead of WD40 with the Scotch Brite pads, you can use penetrating oil - the stuff they sell at auto parts stores to free rusty bolts. For large surfaces where electrolysis is impractical, it really seems to loosen the rust.

Electrolysis is the best, if you can get the tool in the bath - it actually reverses the rust, so you're not removing metal as happens with an abrasive pad.

If you use electrolysis, be sure you completely dry the tool and wax it as soon as you remove it from the bath. If you don't, you'll be amazed at how fast the rust comes back.

 

[Monty]

Electrolysis is cool but for routine cleaning it's probably not necessary because of the time and setup that's involved. Also, I wouldn't recommend electrolysis on a part that is japanned - I have lost the japanning on an old vintage plane that way. Others have reported that it's safe, but I wouldn't try it again.

 

[childe]

I'd definitely agree on the elbo grease, and I'll add patience, part of it. I've been fixing up an old table saw, and it has been an adventure. The end result is well worth the work.

Chris

 

[MikeL]

Thanks guys, lots of good advice as always. I'm going to give the elbow grease method a try first. Although the opportunity to wear such a fashion statement as Roger did is very appealling. :eusa_thin

 

[JimmyC]

Chris,
How has that unisaw been coming along, and I was wondering which rust removal method you decided on ?

Good luck with the rest of it.

Jimmy:-D

I'd definitely agree on the elbo grease, and I'll add patience, part of it. I've been fixing up an old table saw, and it has been an adventure. The end result is well worth the work.

Chris