June 14th, 2024
You know those old tools that have been sitting unused in your shed for years, quietly rusting away? That trusty spanner your grandad gave you or the hammer you inherited from your dad? Well it’s time to bring them back to life! Don’t bin those rusty relics just yet, with a bit of time and elbow grease, you can restore them to their former glory. And we’re here to show you how.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to repair and restore your rusty hand tools using a miracle in a can – sprayable lubricant. We’ll cover cleaning, descaling, oiling and more. So grab that can of INOX MX3 and let’s get busy reviving those tools to pass on to the next generation! You’ll be amazed at what a difference a little TLC can make. Ready to give those tired old tools a new lease of life? Let’s get started!
How Rust Ruins Vintage Hand Tools
Rust is the archnemesis of any tool collector. As tools age, rust slowly eats away at the metal, corroding and weakening it. Surface rust is the first stage and appears as a reddish-brown layer on the tool. At this point, the damage is minimal but if left untreated will quickly spread deeper into the metal. To remove surface rust, scrub the tool with fine-grit sandpaper and then apply a rust-preventing lubricant such as INOX MX3 or INOX MX4 .
Pitting Rust
Pitting rust occurs when rust has penetrated into the surface of the metal, creating small cavities or pits. Tools with pitting rust require more intensive restoration to halt further damage. You’ll need to scrub away loose rust with sandpaper, then scrub the entire tool with INOX MX3; or, if the rust is more advanced, use a dedicated rust removal solution or phosphoric acid mix. Rinse and dry the tool, then coat with INOX MX4 .
Structural Damage
The most severe rust can weaken a tool’s metal to the point of structural damage. Extensive pitting, cracks, or rust holes mean the tool may no longer be salvageable for practical use. At this stage, the best approach is to clean and stabilise the remaining metal to prevent further deterioration. Scrub away loose rust, apply a rust inhibitor, and coat the tool in INOX MX4 to protect it. With vigilance and proper care, you can halt rust in its tracks and preserve your vintage tools for years to come. Stopping rust early is key – so inspect tools regularly and address any surface rust right away. Your time and effort will be well worth it to save these relics of the past.
Cleaning and Removing Rust From Hand Tools
To get your rusty tools back in working order, you’ll need to remove the rust. The most effective method is sanding, scrubbing and soaking.
Scrub Off Loose Rust
Use a wire brush, steel wool, or an abrasive scrub pad to scrape off any loose rust and debris from the tool’s surface. Scrub the tool under running water to wash away the rust particles. Be sure to scrub the tool all over, paying extra attention to corners and crevices where rust can build up.
Soak in a Rust Remover
For stuck-on rust, soak the tool in liquid INOX MX3. Let the tool soak until the rust softens, which can take 30 minutes to overnight depending on the level of rust. Scrub off the remaining rust with a wire brush, and repeat as necessary. Rinse and dry the tool completely in either the sun or a gentle oven.
Sand Down Rusted Areas
For heavy rust that persists, you may need to sand it off. Use medium to fine-grit sandpaper (around 400 grit) to sand rusted areas. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth and re-soak the tool if needed. Keep sanding until you’ve removed all visible rust from the surface.
Protect From Future Rust
Once cleaned, coat the tool with a rust-preventing layer of INOX MX4 Lanolin-based lubricant. Re-apply these products yearly to prevent future rust.
With some elbow grease and patience, you can get heavily rusted tools back to working order. Cleaning, scrubbing, and protecting them from future rust will have your tools lasting for many more years of faithful service in your workshop. With some time and patience, you’ll have them working as good as new.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a few simple tips for restoring your rusty tools to their former glory. With some elbow grease, penetrating oil, and a bit of TLC, you can breathe new life into old spanners, shears, and saws languishing at the back of the shed or garage. Don’t bin them – bring them back! And who knows, maybe one day your grandkids will be using those same restored tools. Just remember – prevention is better than cure, so keep your tools clean, dry, and lubricated. But when the rust does strike, you’ve now got the know-how to deal with it. Find your nearest Inox supplier to get started. Happy restoring!