How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

Almost always, if any tool is left idle, it begins to rust. You just have to leave the pliers or wire cutters in an unheated room for one winter and in the spring you can see a layer of red rust on the surface. I will show you a cheap and effective method to remove all corrosion and partially restore the surface of the metal. This does not require expensive or scarce materials.

You will need:


  • Vinegar 9% (I took apple cider vinegar, that’s why it’s brown; if you have it, take regular colorless vinegar).
  • Edible salt (regular, table salt).
  • Unnecessary toothbrush.
  • A container in which, if possible, the entire tool to be restored can be immersed. Definitely made of plastic.
  • Motor oil of absolutely any brand.

Rust removal and surface restoration process


In my case, we will restore with wire cutters and pliers with thin jaws. As you can see, the wire cutters have been lying around for many years and seem to be hopelessly damaged. We place the instruments in the vessels.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

Pour vinegar until the surface of the metal is completely covered.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

Now take salt and sprinkle it generously on the rust.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

I did not completely immerse the wire cutters, since their handles are protected by a rubber sheath.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

We leave everything for a day. At this time, a chemical reaction will take place.
After time, you will see flakes of rust floating on the surface of the solution.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

Take out the tool and use a toothbrush to remove any traces of corrosion and reaction marks.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

Try working with the tool. The first 2-3 movements may be difficult, but then everything should be easy.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

If you are not satisfied with the result, repeat the procedure and leave to soak for another day.
As you can see, the pliers and wire cutters have acquired a completely working appearance.

Now they need to be lubricated. Take any motor oil, dip a rag and treat the exposed metal surface.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

The well-known WD-40 is also good for lubrication. Spray onto the surface and wipe with a rag to remove excess.
How to cheaply restore a rusty tool

The method is not very complicated, but quite effective. Personally, this is not the first time I have used this and am pleased with the result.
Original article in English
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Comments (17)
  1. Sector
    #1 Sector Guests 30 January 2019 14:11
    12
    The tool rusts for those who store it anywhere.I don’t remember a single case where an instrument rusted.
    1. Guest Sergey
      #2 Guest Sergey Guests 30 January 2019 15:59
      5
      The master's tool does not have time to rust!
    2. Pavel R
      #3 Pavel R Guests 27 April 2019 19:23
      6
      Everything is ahead of you!
    3. Sergey K
      #4 Sergey K Visitors 12 June 2019 19:49
      1
      Well, it never turns out to rust, but there are traces, I especially feel sorry for the Soviet measuring instrument, I inherited a lot of it, there is no point in selling it, but storing it is a hassle - you constantly need to monitor it and wipe it with oil...
  2. Login
    #5 Login Guests 30 January 2019 16:02
    3
    Why salt, author???
    1. Sector
      #6 Sector Guests February 1, 2019 09:01
      6
      Salt and vinegar are a must for the next wintering of instruments. Then the rust will be even more abundant. The author apparently either did not study chemistry at school, or has not yet reached this subject.
  3. Ilya
    #7 Ilya Guests 30 January 2019 22:01
    2
    Take care of your hands, it's acetic acid!!!
  4. Guest Igor
    #8 Guest Igor Guests 30 January 2019 22:18
    4
    No salt needed! Vinegar is quite enough and not aggressive. I even cleaned rather large old vices with it without any problems.
  5. Guest Sergey
    #9 Guest Sergey Guests February 1, 2019 03:52
    4
    No acid or salt needed. Fill it with Coca-Cola and leave it for a day or two, or even better, in a closed plastic container and in the trunk of the car. Let him ride for a day.
    1. Sector
      #10 Sector Guests February 1, 2019 09:03
      3
      So it's even harsher than vinegar. And you just need to apply a thin layer of lubricant to the tool if you leave it for the winter in an unheated dacha. And in the spring, remove this grease with a cloth. That's all.
  6. Dim
    #11 Dim Guests February 3, 2019 11:28
    2
    VD is not a lubricant.... There are already oxides on the metal, won't acid make the situation worse? Why is there salt there?
  7. Valery I.
    #12 Valery I. Guests February 28, 2019 10:47
    4
    In ferrous metal, such a tool is taken even if it is rusty.
  8. Ivan
    #13 Ivan Guests 28 February 2019 20:52
    0
    buy a rust converter, then paint it with nail polish - it will be like new and shine like an egg.
  9. LVN
    #14 LVN Guests 17 March 2019 17:11
    0
    If it's for beauty then maybe.
    And if they are rusty and work hard, then heat them on a gas stove, but not too much, drop some oil into the friction points and work them out.
    This is if you use an old tool found, and when working, all the rust will be removed on its own. And if your instrument has been left in such a state, then you are unlikely to need it. If you don't use it.
  10. Guest anonymous
    #15 Guest anonymous Guests 20 April 2019 22:55
    0
    Citric acid copes with this task much better.