Removing Rust: How it Forms and The Best Products that Work Against It
Chances are you have encountered rust at some point in your career. Tired of rust? The best way to prevent rust is to learn what causes it and how to prevent it even before it starts.
Rust forms when iron, which is present in most tools and parts, oxygen and water combine. It causes the surfaces of tools, parts, equipment and more to flake or pit compromising the integrity of the metal. The oxygen atoms steal electrons from the iron, causing a chemical reaction that creates ferric oxide or rust. Rust is the most common term for corrosion of iron and its alloys, like steel. Another term you might have heard referring to this process is called oxidation. This is a natural process that occurs in the environment and the climate can have a major effect on the rate that rust forms. In areas that are humid, there is more moisture in the air which can increase the rate that rust forms. Extreme weather conditions can cause rust to form faster as well such as frequent rainfall or snow. Coastal areas in proximity to an ocean will increase the rate of corrosion on metal surfaces as well since the moisture in the air contains salt.What is Rust?
Rust forms when iron, which is present in most tools and parts, oxygen and water combine. It causes the surfaces of tools, parts, equipment and more to flake or pit compromising the integrity of the metal. The oxygen atoms steal electrons from the iron, causing a chemical reaction that creates ferric oxide or rust. Rust is the most common term for corrosion of iron and its alloys, like steel. Another term you might have heard referring to this process is called oxidation. This is a natural process that occurs in the environment and the climate can have a major effect on the rate that rust forms. In areas that are humid, there is more moisture in the air which can increase the rate that rust forms. Extreme weather conditions can cause rust to form faster as well such as frequent rainfall or snow. Coastal areas in proximity to an ocean will increase the rate of corrosion on metal surfaces as well since the moisture in the air contains salt.What is Rust?
You might hear about stainless steel and galvanized steel that are impervious to corrosion and are rust proof, but they are not invincible. Even high-quality tools, parts and equipment made with these types of modified steel will eventually rust. They just oxidize at a much slower rate.
So, what’s so bad about rust? Rust weakens metal bonds on the surface of the material causing it to lose its structural integrity. If left unchecked, this will decrease the efficacy of parts, tools and equipment and can even cause them to break when in use. When this happens, it can become a safety hazard to you and those working around you. Rust can also make holes in sheet metal. It can slowly eat away at even the biggest piece of iron. If a piece of iron’s strength is important for safety, such as a vehicle’s brake caliper, that safety is compromised when rust takes over.Rust: Enemy #1 In the Shop
So, what’s so bad about rust? Rust weakens metal bonds on the surface of the material causing it to lose its structural integrity. If left unchecked, this will decrease the efficacy of parts, tools and equipment and can even cause them to break when in use. When this happens, it can become a safety hazard to you and those working around you. Rust can also make holes in sheet metal. It can slowly eat away at even the biggest piece of iron. If a piece of iron’s strength is important for safety, such as a vehicle’s brake caliper, that safety is compromised when rust takes over.Rust: Enemy #1 In the Shop
Fight against rust with these WD-40 Brand Products
There are several products available to you that combat the onslaught of rust, regardless how rusted the tool, part, or equipment might be. Products such as lubricants, rust removers, penetrants, and degreasers can all be used to help fight against rust and its ever-persistent wear.
WD-40® EZ-REACH™ is ideal for light rust situations and it’s 8-inch flexible straw can help get into hard-to-reach places. Born from rocket science, our WD-40 Multi-Use Product contains the same trade secret formula that was used to prevent corrosion on the Atlas rocket in 1953.
WD-40® EZ-REACH™ is ideal for light rust situations and it’s 8-inch flexible straw can help get into hard-to-reach places. Born from rocket science, our WD-40 Multi-Use Product contains the same trade secret formula that was used to prevent corrosion on the Atlas rocket in 1953.
WD-40Specialist® Rust Remover Soak quickly dissolves rust from metal and restores surfaces to bare metal without scraping, chipping or scrubbing. This product will allow you remove rust from multiple tools and parts all at once. The Rust Remover Soak has a non-toxic and biodegradable rust-removal formula that can be used for removing rust from tools, metal, cast iron, chrome parts and more without harming paint, gaskets, trim, or surrounding parts.
WD-40Specialist® Rust Remover Soak quickly dissolves rust from metal and restores surfaces to bare metal without scraping, chipping or scrubbing. This product will allow you remove rust from multiple tools and parts all at once. The Rust Remover Soak has a non-toxic and biodegradable rust-removal formula that can be used for removing rust from tools, metal, cast iron, chrome parts and more without harming paint, gaskets, trim, or surrounding parts.
WD-40 SpecialistCorrosion Inhibitor is an anti-rust spray ideal for preventative maintenance and use in extreme environments such as high humidity. It provides non-drying protection that stays where you spray it so when you want to store parts or tools and not worry about rust when you go to use them, apply the Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor to prevent rust forming within that time.
WD-40 SpecialistCorrosion Inhibitor is an anti-rust spray ideal for preventative maintenance and use in extreme environments such as high humidity. It provides non-drying protection that stays where you spray it so when you want to store parts or tools and not worry about rust when you go to use them, apply the Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor to prevent rust forming within that time.
