It seems no matter what you do, time takes its toll on your tools. Seriously, take a look at your tool collection. How many of your pliers, sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches, and so on are covered by or starting to show signs of rust? Probably quite a few!
Before you can fix this pervasive problem, you must first understand what rust is and why it forms on tools. Then, you can set out to conquer the pesky stuff and keep your tools looking-and acting-new!
What is Rust and How Does it Form on Metal Tools?
Rust is the result of a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen when moisture is present. In technical terms, rust is actually iron oxide. It’s more important to understand why rust matters, though. If left unchecked, rust can lead to the corrosion and deterioration of metal, leaving your tools relatively useless.
Because moisture is a necessary part of the rust-formation formula, limiting the amount of moisture tools see can be a good first defense against rust. In certain climates, though, doing so is nearly impossible. Plus, once rust has already formed, these methods will not reverse that formation-you’ll have to remove the rust that is already present.
Useful Tips for Removing Rust from Metal Tools
If left unchecked, rust can do severe damage to your tools. As such, removing rust is the best route to restoring your tools and improving and retaining their intended functionality. The question is, how do you remove rust? Well, with these metal tools maintenance tips, you’ll have rust-free tools in no time!
- Preparation – Before you start removing rust, you will need to gather the needed supplies. Necessary supplies include coarse and fine sandpaper, steel wool, a scouring pad, rags, and liquid detergent. You will want to scrub the tools with detergent and rinse them with water to remove grease and oil, then dry them, use sandpaper to remove loose surface rust, then wipe the tools clean with your rag!
- Choosing and Using a Rust Cleaner – To remove deeper rust, you’ll need to use a rust cleaner. Of course, first, you’ll have to choose from one of many viable options-a task that can be daunting if it is your first time removing rust. To help you choose, we’ve broken down some of the more common rust cleaners into categories that can be easily understood!
- Chemical-Based Rust Cleaners – Many people choose chemical-based rust cleaners thanks to their impressive strength and more immediate results. However, there are drawbacks. Chemical-based rust cleaners tend to be more expensive than natural alternatives and can be harmful to one’s health. They are also not organic or eco-friendly, making them a poor choice for those who strive to be environmentally conscious. Oxalic acid is a common chemical-based rust cleaner that is available in nearly any hardware store.
- Natural Rust Cleaners – On the opposite side of the spectrum, natural rust cleaners are just that-natural. Sure, you can buy these at most stores, but you can also make them at home, which may be a distinct advantage for some people. They also are friendly to the environment and do not pose any health risks. If you’re looking to save some money, natural rust cleaners are far more cost-effective, too.
- Vinegar – The acid present in vinegar (known as acetic acid) makes it an extremely cost-effective substance for removing rust. All you have to do is combine vinegar and water, submerge your tools in the mixture for 24 hours, and then rinse them off! No more rust!
- Lemon and Salt – This natural method also uses common household items to remove rust from tools. Simply coat the rusty areas of your tools in salt and squeeze lemon juice over it. Allow it to sit for a while before scrubbing the covered sections with the rind of the lemon. If this doesn’t remove all the rust, simply repeat the process. Once the rust is gone, pat the restored tools dry.
- Potato and Baking Soda – Cut a potato in half, cover it with baking soda, then use that spud to scrub away the rust from your tools! This natural method of removing rust is really that simple, thanks to the acidity found in potatoes!
- Sandpaper – Sandpaper is a go-to method for rust removal. Though it requires a bit of elbow grease, it can be effective. Simply use coarse sandpaper for large patches of rust, then switch to fine sandpaper to remove the remaining bits. Rinse, dry, and repeat as necessary!
Ensure that Your Metal Tools do not get Rusted Again!
Once you’ve performed your metal tool maintenance, it’s important to protect metal tools from rust going forward (all that hard work would go to waste!). To protect your metal tools from rust, securely store them in a metal garage or equipment storage shed. This will help reduce the amount of moisture exposure they experience and keep them rust-free as long as possible!
Of course, each time you use your tools, you should take a moment to wipe them clean of oil, grease, and debris. This will also help preserve them and keep them functioning their best for years to come.
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