Author Topic: Non-destructive rust removal for steel parts (Read 6920 times)

old750 · « **on:** February 10, 2007, 11:08:30 AM »

As seen on TV! One of Spike's truck / muscle car shows:

1 bucket to hold your part
1 table spoon of sodium carbonate (washing soda, NOT baking soda) for every gallon of water
1 clean metal bar
1 battery charger capable of 2 amps constant

stick your part in the tub, hook up the negative terminal to the part
stick the metal bar in the tub away from the part to be cleaned, hook up the positive terminal to it

turn on the charger set at 2 amps and watch the rust wash away. make sure to do this outside or in well ventilated area cause it creates hydrogen which goes boom boom.

don't use on non ferrous parts as they will get messed up.

malcolmgb · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2007, 02:59:56 PM »

I was told Baking Soda is best, particularly 'Arm & Hammer'

TomC · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2007, 03:19:38 PM »

Hi Malcolmgb
No it is washing soda! But Arm & Hammer is the brand. That said try and find some! I have had no luck. Sodium Carbonate is also used to reduce the acidity of swimming pools. That is no problem to find. At least in the summer.
TomC

Quote from: malcolmgb on February 10, 2007, 02:59:56 PM

I was told Baking Soda is best, particularly 'Arm & Hammer'

clarkjh · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2007, 03:27:39 PM »

I have done this, it works but turns your metal black but it does clean up. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda is with the clothes washing soap. It also produces O2 and H gas.

James

malcolmgb · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2007, 03:37:45 PM »

while over in the US recently I was asked by a friend to get him some 'Arm & Hammer' baking soda for this same purpose. I found it at a supermarket called A&P (Atlantic & Pacific).
So what is the difference between washing soda & baking soda if they are both Sodium Bicarbonate?

nickjtc · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2007, 04:19:08 PM »

Quote from: malcolmgb on February 10, 2007, 03:37:45 PM

So what is the difference between washing soda & baking soda if they are both Sodium Bicarbonate?

Sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) vs. sodium bicarbonate (NaHC03). Two different chemicals.

old750 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2007, 07:18:45 PM »

Aparently both work but bicarbonate works better.

sandcastcb750 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2007, 07:54:11 PM »

A good rust remover for steel is a product called "Oakite" If you heat this product in water, it removes rust quickly and is even good on chrome. I have had good success with it. It is used in lumber yards that have steel saws to clean. Only removes the ferris oxide. And Paint. Wonderful to clean out insides of fuel tanks.

It is very bad for aluminum parts; dissolves them.

It reminds me of sodium hydroxide, or like "Draino"

malcolmgb · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2007, 02:22:03 PM »

where can you buy 'Oakite'

yesplease · « **Reply #9 on:** February 12, 2007, 06:05:46 AM »

This method was mentioned once on these forums, but I figure it's worth bringing up again since I probably wouldn't have found it if I didn't know what I was looking for.

sandcastcb750 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2007, 06:19:24 AM »

http://www.oakite.com/

I got my OAKITE from a guy who had a lumbermill. He used to put a whole frame into the oakite, because he had industrial tank with heating system.

I used a propane torch to heat a little pot with chrome or steel parts.

Magpie · « **Reply #11 on:** February 12, 2007, 09:00:08 AM »

If you're patient molasses works too. Here's a past series of threads on it. It worked for me.
http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?action=search2
Cheers,
Cliff

Magpie · « **Reply #12 on:** February 12, 2007, 09:02:41 AM »

Sorry the link didn't work. Just search "molasses". There's plenty of info/opinions there.
Cheers,
Cliff.

old750 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 12, 2007, 07:15:40 PM »

Quote from: yesplease on February 12, 2007, 06:05:46 AM

This method was mentioned once on these forums, but I figure it's worth bringing up again since I probably wouldn't have found it if I didn't know what I was looking for.

dude that looks unbelievable. It seriously looks like BS but I have to try that. I have never been able to properly clean the rust off my old Puch and I have to try this.

Magpie · « **Reply #14 on:** February 12, 2007, 07:26:17 PM »

Thanks yesplease, I'll get on that method in the morning! I run out of patience with molasses.
Cheers,
Cliff.

yesplease · « **Reply #15 on:** February 12, 2007, 11:15:24 PM »

Np! I think works the same as molasses, but we can pick what strength we want the mixture to be. I should add it supposedly stripes the finish off of anodized Al, and will remove Cd or Zn plating.

ChevelleSSLS6 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 20, 2007, 02:57:39 PM »

anything that's good that won't damage chrome?

old750 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 20, 2007, 05:37:21 PM »

http://www.vintagebmx.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=004702

(from previous page)

UnCrash · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2007, 09:00:51 AM »

Yes!

I've looked at Oxalic Acid on that thread and wonder how my exhaust would turn out if dipped.

I suppose that it's worth a try. I have enough in the budget for my rebuild to obtain a new exhaust anyway.

Cheers

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Author Topic: Non-destructive rust removal for steel parts (Read 6920 times)

yesplease

yesplease