cleaning rusty tools

[Pal0ma]

My brother and I just inherited a bunch of old tools from our pops, he was a serious woodworker.

We're talking chests full of hand saws, planes, braces with a ton of bits... It's an awesome haul.
The only issue is they've been sitting in chests for a decade, so a lot of them have some light rust and a little bit of pitting.

We want to get them cleaned up and usable without ruining the tools.
What's the best way to get rid of light rust and minor pitting? And once they're clean, should we just put a light coat of oil on them to keep the rust away? Any tips would be super helpful!

 

[Vanya]

For light rust, I usually hit it with a fine steel wool or a scotch brite pad and some mineral oil, it cleans without taking off the patina. After that, a thin coat of camellia oil or even regular machine oil keeps them from rusting again

 

[Niloc]

I have been a Boot Sale buyer for 40 to 50 years buying rusty tools and cleaning them with electrolysis, using a battery charger and washing soda. The results are fantastic, it can even get into the thread of bolts usually making them easy to remove. I don't put wooden parts into the tank. If anyone would like to have more info just ask.

 

[mumlikebenny]

I have been a Boot Sale buyer for 40 to 50 years buying rusty tools and cleaning them with electrolysis, using a battery charger and washing soda. The results are fantastic, it can even get into the thread of bolts usually making them easy to remove. I don't put wooden parts into the tank. If anyone would like to have more info just ask.

Hello, really like this electrolysis idea and I remember I had seen my dad do it severally, so yeah it does work @Pal0ma so prolly just keep it well oiled after that

 

[Alan]

Sorry for your loss, that's a great legacy to inherit though, what works best for rust removal without damaging the originals?

 

[MartyOS]

https://workshopheaven.com/rusty-fingerprint-remover/

I found this really easy to remove light rust before.

https://workshopheaven.com/alfie-shine-hard-wax-polish-fragrance-free-60ml/

This is then useful to apply to stop rust (and it's just amazing for everything tbh)

 

[plane_joe]

https://workshopheaven.com/rusty-fingerprint-remover/

I found this really easy to remove light rust before.

https://workshopheaven.com/alfie-shine-hard-wax-polish-fragrance-free-60ml/

This is then useful to apply to stop rust (and it's just amazing for everything tbh)

Hey, this is cool, thanks