easy rust removal

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May 20, 2008 | 12:43 PM

airharley

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From: Escondido, CA

easy rust removal

For some of you with rusty bolts or hard to find pieces this might be handy for you. Once I get the parts together I am going to start to make a rust removal tank for both my truck and the wifes Fairlane. Electrolytic Rust Removal aka Magic - Instructables - DIY, How To, craft, tech I found this sight after looking for rust removers that gently remove it without taking off more then needed. Just thought I would sharre a little bit.

May 20, 2008 | 02:24 PM

PROSTOCK

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Central Texas

That's cool. But I have found that CLR or Limeaway works just as well. I keep a couple quarts in the an old plastic coffee can and soak rusty parts in there. A day later, rinse 'em off with water...slick as a whistle. Gotta put some primer or oil on 'em quick or they tend to develop surface rust at an accelerated rate.

May 20, 2008 | 03:39 PM

Sam_Fear

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From: Davenport, IA

Google "Electrolytic Rust Removal" and you'll find plenty of info.

I've used this technique several times. Even built my own bath out of one of those rectangular storage containers. De-rusted my headers by dipping half in at a time. Were off the motor for only a 1/2 day. Usually I let the metal dry and use a light coat of rust converter to make sure I got all of the rust before painting.

I've read concerns over embrittlement, but that is supposed to be countered by heating the piece. I just don't use this method on critical items that are going to be under stress. Although I have heard of guys doing entire frames this way.

***Don't use stainless steel for the sacrificial piece. It gives off toxic fumes and turns the water toxic.

May 20, 2008 | 03:57 PM

airharley

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From: Escondido, CA

I just thought it was funny that someone is selling the directions for making this on evilbay for $5. The other added bonus to this over limeaway or CLR is no chemicals to keep around the house and you can practically dump this down the drain when you are finished. Besides being able to drop something in a bucket while you are doing something else is totally worth it to me.

May 20, 2008 | 05:43 PM

Sam_Fear

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From: Davenport, IA

The hardest part is finding Arm & Hammer Soda Wash. I still don't know where to find it.

May 21, 2008 | 09:22 AM

JimKoz

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2003

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I get Arm & Hammer Washing Soda at Safeway, but not every store carries it. Soda ash, from a swimming pool supply store, is the same thing.

I've also used automatic dishwasher detergent, and I'm pretty sure that I've tried Spic-and-Span and Borax.