How to Get Rust Off of Tools

If your tools are left out in the garage or in the basement, it’s very easy for them to acquire rust spots on them, especially if the storage environment becomes moist or humid at any point. With tools being expensive as they are, you won’t want to discard them, and can instead prolong their lives by cleaning off that oxidation. There are some home methods which you can use that will effectively remove oxidation from your equipment, so it can be as good as new.

Step 1: Wash Dirt/Grease/Rust With Soap and Water

The first step in cleaning rust off your equipment will be to mix strong grease-cutting dish detergent with warm water so as to produce some suds. Then you’ll have to place your equipment into this soapy mixture, and while they’re in the water, use a sponge or rag to scrub them until all dirt and grease has been removed. After this, dry off the equipment so that they can then be sanded, so as to remove the rust.

Step 2: Scrub Rust With Steel Wool Then Sandpaper, Rinse

Wherever the worst occurrences of oxidation are, that’s where you should begin sanding. It’s always best to attack the flakes on the surface of your tools and then proceed to the oxidation which has set in a little more deeply. You should begin with coarse-grain sandpaper before proceeding to use a fine-grain product, ensuring you address the worst spots first.

Step 3: Soak Tools in White Vinegar, let sit Several Days

Now your instruments should be placed in a large tub or plastic container that is big enough to accommodate them, as well as the white vinegar, which should be enough to completely submerge them. This white vinegar bath will be used to cut through the remaining oxidation. You will need to set aside the tools in this container for anywhere between one and three days.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

After your instruments have soaked for several days, you need to pull each one out rinse off the vinegar coating, and then dry them thoroughly. This should have removed most of the oxidation which was on your tool surfaces.

The Final Step

If this process hasn’t been successful at completely cleaning your equipment and removing the oxidation, you can take a more serious approach and use Magica Rust Remover. This powerful cleaning agent will remove all the oxidation from metal surfaces on your tools, and will leave them looking close to their original condition.