Light rust on tools... what to do

[cbc58]

i have some big strap clamps from my great uncle that were sitting in my garage for 10 years and now have a light coating of surface rust.  these are quality items and i wonder what can be done to kill/stop the rust and preserve them.  i was going to spray them with dw40 but is there a better way?  anyone have a fix or idea on how to get rid of the rust or keep them rust free?  tks.

[diyfrank]

Find a better place to store them would be first on the list.

[MountainDon]

That's not rust, it's patina. They are antiques after all.  

OR...

http://www.sawdustandshavings.com/hand_tools/removing_rust_on_tools.asp

OR good old Naval Jelly

[cbc58]

tks.

[peternap]

Evaporust?


You can find it at most auto parts stores.

[eddiescabin]

You are right on the money with wd-40 also.  Ive used it on high end Ducati's and Bimotas for years with ZERO ill effects, great on cast stoves also

[considerations]

A neighbor brought over a "soylent" green colored solution in a spray bottle to neutralize the rust on my franklin stove....(surface rust).  It worked, but I never saw the gallon jug he poured it from.

[peternap]

A neighbor brought over a "soylent" green colored solution in a spray bottle to neutralize the rust on my franklin stove....(surface rust).  It worked, but I never saw the gallon jug he poured it from.

soylent" green is people!

it's organic!

you can eat it and remove rust!

[considerations]

Euuuuuuuu!    It was just that Color! 

[NM_Shooter]

Consider electrolysis... it will remove ALL the rust... even in the nooks and crannies...

http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tools/Electrolysis.htm

[glenn kangiser]

I was thinking of this but did not know the details, Frank.  I want to use my welder as a power supply.  [ouch]

Thanks.. I'll have to give it a try on a bunch of rusty bolts - maybe in a basket.

[Whitlock]

Another way to get rust of metal parts is to soak them in plain household type Vinegar. Use the vinegar straight as it comes from the bottle. Place the part in a glass or plastic container and cover with Vinegar. Check the parts after 24 hours. The surface of the part may look black but just put it under running water and a light brushing will clean it up.

[glenn kangiser]

Got my Sodium Carbonate today - I was at Home Depot and walked by the pool section so picked up a jug of it.  I'll have to document it when I do it.