How to get rust off

[toad]

I picked up a couple old millitary shovels, and they have some rust on them. Whats the best way to clean them up, and keep them looking nice.

 

[RandallX]

are you trying to re finish them or keep the old and just get the rust off?

 

[printcraft]

Wine, candlelight, marvin gaye music.

 

[IndyGunworks]

steel wool of the 0000 variety, and oil.

 

[toad]

Just trying to get the rust off, and keep looking good. I'm not trying to re-finish them.

 

[breas1]

I second the 0000 steel wool and oil.

 

[RandallX]

in that matter i third the 0000 steel wool and oil

 

[toad]

Well, it looks like 0000 steel wool and oil it is, thanks

 

[booey50]

there is also a frontier pad that works wonders it's basically an aluminum scotch pad.

 

[Cpt Caveman]

Purple scotch brite pad and elbow grease.

 

[pirate]

forget the steel wool if its just a shovel...


Go by some Navel Jelly from Menards or Lowes. That stuff takes rust off anything by just being applied and wiped off.

 

[Mr. Habib]

Wire wheel on a grinder followed by Naval jelly and steel wool would be my choice.

 

[yotewacker]

Rustbuster is awesome. you can pour it on and wipe rust away. I also use it in the wood shop. Takes rust right off table saws with one wipe.

 

[parkerj112]

Wire wheel on a grinder followed by Naval jelly and steel wool would be my choice.

I would second the above if you are not worried about the finish. Or just go light with the grinder. Personally though I would sand blast them, and repaint them, but you need the access to a sand blaster...

Parker

 

[cj7jeep81]

white vinegar also works surprisingly well, and its cheap/non-toxic. soak it overnight, and it will get a lot of it off. you'll want to paint it right away though, or it will flash rust.

 

[abnk]

I like Kroil. Steel wool where necessary.

 

[Cat-Herder]

wire wheel, wire brush, steel wool...it depends on how severe the rust is....

 

[code_red]

Oxalic acid.

 

[remauto1187]

WD-40 lifts rust right up, then wipe down. It will not solve the aftermath of pitting but will lift rust.

 

[Notyourdaddy]

Why not just go dig with it? Several times through the dirt and you'll never see the rust.