I had posted a project that I had used muriatic acid to clean some of the pieces. Here is a web site that uses a process that is not as caustic but it still does a good job on the rust. Hock Tools tells of the same process but this website give a few more details of how this process works and some of the cautions you should have.
http://antique-engines.com/electrol.asp
For cleaning things with a buildup of trash (dirt, sawdust etc.) like the teeth on a file, the muriatic acid (this is used in cleaning swimming pools you can get it at most hardware stores) is still the easiest and fastest way I know of to deep clean these tools. USE CATION WITH ANY ACID!! I have taken old files and soaked them for about 5 min. and then clean them off with a solution of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to neutralize the acid, and then I rinse off with clean water. Make sure you blow off any excess water because this metal will be clean and will start rusting up fast if left to air dry.
There are alot of ways to clean rust hope this helps.
4 comments so far
Mark Shymanski
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3960 posts in 1879 days
#1 posted 544 days ago
I’d be concerned about the corrosion from muriatic acid, I’ve used citric acid with good results though.
-- "Checking for square? what madness is this! The cabinet is square because I will it to be so!" Jeremy Greiner LJ Topic#20953 2011 Feb 2
Viking
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858 posts in 1362 days
#2 posted 544 days ago
Phil;
Evaporust is hard to beat and non-toxic. Best price is at Tractor Supply.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/evapo-rust-trade-rust-removal-128-fl-oz--1340932
Good Luck!
-- Rick Gustafson - Lost Creek Ranch - Colorado County, Texas
Lifesaver2000
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463 posts in 1279 days
#3 posted 544 days ago
Evaporust is great stuff. You can also get it at most O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. It is a dollar more a gallon than Tractor Supply, but for me the O’Reilly is about 15 miles closer.
walterdlewis
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4 posts in 230 days
#4 posted 167 days ago
I have used Muriatic acid to clean files for a while, but now I may have made a mistake. This morning I was cleaning some files, and decided to throw in my Bed Rock Jack Plane body in to see if I could get some of the persistant rust off the sides. I kept it in for about 10 minutes, and when I took it out and rinsed it the finish was dull, almost like I Parkerized it. Now I am trying to brighten things back up by lapping the plane. I heard that the acid starts a chemical reaction that dosent stop, and will make parts rust much more readily. Did I ruin it? Any advice on how to un-ring the bell?
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