How to Remove Rust from Tools (2024)

Your tools will last a lifetime if you take care of them, but one of the biggest enemies of metal tools is rust, which can be prevented if the right precautions are taken.

What is Rust?

Rust is the product of metal corrosion, where a chemical reaction creates an “oxide” that’s expressed as the well-known red- or rust-colored powder.

This oxidation process breaks down of the underlying material and should be controlled or eliminated as it will significantly weaken the metal over time. There are several ways you can prevent corrosion in the first place, as well as steps to take to remove rust from tools that have undergone oxidation.

How to Remove Rust

Tool owners should have on hand a multi-purpose oil designed to clean, lubricate, and protect. To remove light rust from tools simply apply oil to a rag and wipe the metal thoroughly. If the articulating parts are rusted, working oil into rusted joints multiple times is usually effective.

Steps:

Stop Tool Rust in Its Tracks

If the rust problem is on the surface of the tool, and not inside the joints, you can scrub the oxidation off.

Use a wire brush, sandpaper, or steel wool to remove all traces of rust.
Pockmarks and scaling are particularly hard to remove, so power tools like a drill with a wire wheel attachment or a bench grinder with a metal wire buffer wheel can make short work of deeply rusted tool surfaces.
Once the tool is thoroughly stripped of rust, a deep lubrication of the entire tool surface with a non-oxidizing oil like mineral oil and a wipe down with a rag, will finalize the rust removal process.

Rust Prevention

Moisture control is paramount in rust prevention. Storing your tools in a dry place is crucial. A sub-grade basem*nt in an environment with a high water table will keep humidity levels high, promoting the formation of rust. Not a good spot for tool storage.

While the hinges on a wrench are an obvious place for rust to occur, tool owners often don’t often think about the delicate motors and electric brushes inside of power tools, which are made out of copper and other corrosion-prone metals. Keep all your tools above ground—and inside—if possible, or install a dehumidifier in your tool storage area if it’s humid but it’s your only storage solution.

Regular lubrication and cleaning of hand tools with a petroleum product are the most basic steps an owner can take to extend the longevity of a tool. Sometimes a single drop of multi-purpose oil in an articulating joint or gear will ensure a lifetime of use, and a multi-purpose oil-soaked rag wiped over the surface of any metal parts spreads a thin layer of protection against the elements that cause rust.

Painting and sealing up metal parts that are exposed to the elements are also great methods to prevent corrosion and rust. While most manufacturers provide a layer of chrome or powder-coating paint, many old tools do not have this protective coating. Good prep work is important for ensuring a quality bond, but a sealant like paint or rubber can extend the life of old tools and provide a new gripping surface for a fairly low cost.

Greetings, enthusiasts of tool maintenance and metalwork aficionados. As someone deeply immersed in the world of metal tools, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise in the art of preserving and revitalizing these essential instruments. Let's delve into the intricacies of rust, its impact on metal tools, and the meticulous steps one can take to ensure their tools endure the test of time.

Understanding Rust: Rust, the nemesis of metal tools, is the result of a chemical reaction leading to the formation of oxides, commonly recognized as the notorious red or rust-colored powder. This oxidation process poses a significant threat as it gradually breaks down the structural integrity of the metal, necessitating proactive measures for prevention and remediation.

Preventing Rust: The first line of defense against rust involves meticulous prevention. Moisture control emerges as a paramount factor; storing tools in dry environments is crucial. Avoid sub-grade basem*nts with high humidity levels, as they can accelerate rust formation. Neglecting the delicate internals of power tools, comprised of corrosion-prone metals like copper, can lead to unforeseen rust issues. Keep tools above ground, indoors whenever possible, or employ dehumidifiers in humid storage areas.

Removing Rust: For those unfortunate encounters with rust, a multi-purpose oil becomes an indispensable ally. To tackle light rust, a simple application of oil to a rag followed by thorough wiping can work wonders. When rust infiltrates articulating joints, a strategic process of oil application and manipulation is prescribed. Scrubbing off surface rust involves tools like wire brushes, sandpaper, or steel wool. Power tools such as drills with wire wheel attachments or bench grinders with metal wire buffer wheels prove efficient for deeply rusted surfaces.

Steps for Rust Removal:

Apply oil to a rag and wipe the metal thoroughly.
For rusted articulating joints, drop oil into the joint and manipulate the tool to grind rust and oil into a slurry.
Wipe up the slurry with a clean side of the rag.
Repeat the oil application and manipulation until no rust and oil mixture is observed on the rag.

Rust Prevention Measures:

Maintain moisture control by storing tools in dry environments.
Regularly lubricate and clean hand tools with petroleum products to extend their longevity.
Consider painting or sealing exposed metal parts to create an additional layer of protection against rust.

In conclusion, safeguarding your tools from rust involves a combination of preventive measures, meticulous cleaning rituals, and strategic applications of protective substances. Whether you're dealing with surface rust or safeguarding against future corrosion, these practices will undoubtedly contribute to the longevity of your prized metal tools. Happy tool maintenance!