Recommendations for rust removal

M

mrappraisit

Joined
Oct 25, 2007
Messages
524
Hello all,
I am trying to restore an older Collins Scout Axe (Hatchet). The head had some surface rust and I was wondering what you guys would recomend for rust removal. I know I could eventually sand/grind it off, but am looking for easier/faster results, not to mention that I dont want to mark up the axe head too much.

I have used naval jelly, but was wondering if anyone had any other fairly cheap solutions?

Thanks,
Shawn
 
Spray it down with breakfree CLP and let it sit for several hours - spray it down again and hit it with some 00/000 steel wool. It should get most of the surface rust off, obviously it won't do anything to pitting.
 
Thanks 65535, I didn't think of CLR, but I might already have some of that stuff. Might try that first and see if I can save some pesos.
 
If there is pitting, you're going to want to re-finish it with sanding or another abrasive method. Otherwise I agree with others recommending oil soaking and steel wool.

Or you could do what I did with an old machete; POR-15!!
 
If you have an Auto Zone in your area, pick up a bottle of EVAPORUST. It is non toxic and very easy to use. I soaked an old axe head for a couple days -the results were amazing. No evidence of rust and clean up is a breeze.
 
I second the evaporust.. works great
evapo-rust_r3_c3.jpg
 
Many rust removers can remove carbon from steel. I don't recommend their use.
 
Muriatic acid will remove rust. It must be thoroughly rinsed and neutralized. Use ammonia in water to neutralize. Oil immediately.
 
I need to pick up some of that evaporust, I've been looking for the magic cure, hopefully this might be it.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. I bought some naval jelly since I couldn't find Break Free locally or quickly. I will be working on it today or tomorrow morning.
The Evapo-rust looks good, but didn't realize I could buy it local (Autozone)till after I already bought something.:o

Bill DeShivs said:
Many rust removers can remove carbon from steel. I don't recommend their use.
Click to expand...

Hi Bill, do I have to us the amonia in the water trick after naval jelly? I ask because it contains Phosphoric Acid.
 
No, it is formulated to leave an oxided finish that should resist rust. I would still scrub it well and oil it. Keep it away from the edge.
 
I'm new to the rehabilitation part of knives. When you use the Evapor Rust, are you coating the blade or soaking the knife?? If the latter, does the Evapor Rust have any ill effect on the handle material??? Thanks for the information.
 
While my experience with EVAPO-RUST has been limited, I would not hesitate to use it again. I copied the statement below from the evaporust website. I used it again today on an old wood handled hammer - no damage to the wood. I'll check it again in a few days, once the wood has dried..

EVAPO-RUST is non-corrosive to steel and does not harm brass, copper, aluminum, gold, lead, titanium, steel, cast iron, chrome, solder points, vinyl, plastic, rubber, silicone, glass, cork, or wood. EVAPO-RUST has an indefinite shelf life* and can be used over and over until it absolutely stops working. On average, one gallon de-rusts up to 300 pounds of light to moderately rusted steel.
 
Polish the rust off don't bother with rust removers with a polished blade. Rust removers are generally used on matte finishes.
 
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