rust removal

soak them in parrafin, it should then lift of with a light rub with some scotch brite

John

I have had excellent results using the electrolytic method - plastic bucket with washing soda and a car battery charger - see the following link:

AWEM

Ditto. It's cheap, almost labour free and works well. You still need to remove the residue (the oxygen has been removed from the ferrous-oxide, leaving the ferrous bit) with a scrubbing brush or similar, but it's much easier and more successful than scrubbing away rust.

Mark

you can use ordinary salt in the electrolyte, not as good as caustic soda though. I haven't tried mollassses but I am told if you stick rusty steel in mollasses and leave it for a week or so it will come out clean. I gather a salt and vinegar solution works quite well, make sure the steel is completely submerged as it will rust like hell at the waterline[vinegarline] if you don't.

I tried cola, both coca cola and tesco super 6.5p a litre, and after being submerged for a few weeks I couldn't see any change in the lightly rusted item I dunked in the stuff. the phosphoric acid is very very weak so maybe leaving it a few months might do the trick...

An overnight soak in vinegar. Rinse in hot running water,dry, and oil.

Steve R.

Hello folks, Thank you all for the information and help,also for the warning regarding STAINLESS electrodes, I believe that the electrolytic method will be best. I am now off to B&Q to obtain the bits. All the best for now, John.

The electrolyte is Washing Soda, (Sodium Carbonate) not Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)

Steve