How-To Remove Rust - Vintage Tools

Here is 2 methods for cleaning up those old vintage tools that are sitting in the corner of your shop untouched for 40 years. I am asked pretty often how I de-rust, clean and shine up these old tools to look like new. Here are 2 methods (only methods) I use for knocking them out. Enjoy!

Used in this video:

Music: Axanometric

[krtntcj]

I recently was gifted a bunch of old Craftsman sockets. They were in good shape but very greasy inside. Too cold out to pressure wash them clean. I used Oil Eater to degrease in hot water contained in and old plastic jar. Every few hours shake the jar to agitate the sockets. A few days later done rinsing and they turned out super clean. Due to a few rusty edges off to the Evaporust for final cleaning. Thanks for the great videos. Irish Mike.

[somua]

i really enjoyed the video. great job explaining your process. I'll have to do this with some of my old tools

[AnonVideos]

For parts you can totally disassemble:

Apple Cider Vinegar, soak for a day in a jar or a shallow tray with soaked paper towels if anything is above the vinegar. A little lemon juice can be used as an accelerant.

Rub with a toothbrush. Soak more if needed.

Rinse and rub with a paper towel soaked in 3-in-one oil or Hoppes depending on what you prefer. Use a Q tip to get into tight spots. Leave it on heavy, you will wipe it off later.

If you are doing small pieces, squirt some 3-in-1 in a small container with lid, insert parts, shake a little.

Come back next day and wipe off excess oil.

Cheap and easy and seems to work well for me.

[hapkijo]

Great video, I love old tools and have a few. Looking forward to cleaning them up, now I know how to. Thanks

[herbholmberg]

Wire wheel on the grinder does most of my rust removal. Plus, immediate gratification! 😊

[michaeljenkins]

I found it if you take those little you know like things that convert your drill to like a socket and then put a socket on there and wrap it with 400 grit wet or dry and spin it in your hand it makes the sockets look like brand spanking new the outsides 15:01

[tomsanders]

Flex shaft dremel with wire brushes are perfect for detail cleaning/ restoration

[joselnegron]

Thank you so much for teaching me and explaining how to use rust remover for tools

[marksmith]

I love your videos. I’m retiring soon and want to clean up my tools and my dad’s tool. Evaporator and Super Lube are on my shopping list.

[magdad]

I've used vinegar in the past, but I found that the metal tends to flash rust very quickly after rinsing. I haven't had that happen with the Evaporust. I like the Evaporust for intricate parts with areas that I can't get into to wire brush really well.

[jmccracken]

For cleaning Socket dirt and rust use a Battery Terminal Cleaner the round brush works great.

[hangdogit]

Good results.

Another method that works well is to dissolve Oxalic Acid in powder form in a container with water and soak metal tools or rusting objects in it.

What is it though?

An acid from the Rhubarb plant that is what makes Barkeeper’s Friend work so well.

Caution though: Oxcilic acid emits strong fumes so use outside or with good ventilation.

[tammylee]

I know this is an old video but so glad I found your channel. Single female who doesn’t know that much about tools but always been interested. I inherited a barn full of old tools, mostly craftsman, covered in dirt and not used in years. Brought them all in my house to try to clean (along with giant brown spiders). Headed to Lowe’s now hoping to find the capo rust. Lots of craftsman power tools that had batteries. Have the chargers and tools look like they’re barely used. Is it worth looking for replacement batteries?

[johnlyons]

Great video. I think the Williams ratchet needs a spanner or similar tools to put into the two holes and spin it apart. The garage journal has several good posts with pictures of them apart.

[harryerhart]

The J H Williams is made in Buffalo NY they are owned by Snap On now. You need a special spanner wrench to take it apart l sold Williams and Vulcan tools in Buffalo

[TomGunnTools]

That is a huge bucket of evaporust. I use many of the same techniques, works well.

[Anonymous-itjw]

When warranted, I use 30% (industrial strength) vinegar for faster rust removal. The suggestions on techniques to avoid flash rust are great. What grease do you recommend when reassembling the ratchets? In your experience, how long does a bucket of Evap-o-Rust remain effective?

[ksajak]

I have a leatherman super tool soaking in evapo rust right now. I left it over night.. I've scrubbed it a couple times and rinsed it then put it back in the evapo rust. I don't have an air compressor or pressure washer so what do you think would be the best way to blow out all the wet loose rust in the joints?? Like between the different tools and in the joints of the pliers. Just run it under the tub focet or something since that water comes out faster? Any help is greatly appreciated

[familyr]

I am interested in that adjustable wrench you had in the video but did nothing with. I have a hand me down one of those I would like to restore but have no info on brand, age, etc. Being a hand me down I am more interested in preserving than restoring but if you have a video with what you did with that, would love to see it.

[larrycroft]

What a great video!! Thank you for taking time to make this.