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Is rust and corrosion a problem for your tools, components, vehicles and craft?Perhaps you have a vehicle or craft that is laid-up over the winter. How can you ensure that over the freezing months, your investment is still being looked after?
Now is the time to start thinking about how rust can be prevented - it will be a lot easier than you think!
Click the link below to find out more...
Here at Enginewise we have developed various corrosion inhibitor and metal protection products to help prevent and combat the problem of rust - but for those who already have a rust problem, here is a breakdown of the 10 main approaches for successful rust removal....
The methods used in this article fall into three broad categories: mechanical, chemical and electrolytic.
1. Mechanical methods for rust removal are the most well known. They include products such as abrasive paper, flap wheels, wire brushes and wheels, sanding disks and wire wool. For the classic car enthusiast, a particularly good product for use on panels is the Montipower wire brush - unusually, the brush can be sharpened!
2. Another mechanical method is the process of blasting with aluminium oxide grit and steel shot. Though sand blasting may be a common term in the UK, it is actually not recommended on health grounds. However, there are a number of small bench top mounted blasting cabinets that are suitable for home workshops. For larger items such as a garden gate or a car chassis, a blast room is used, and for outdoor use, a mobile pressure pot or mobile blasting pot can be taken to the job.
3. Vapour blasting is an industrial process that uses glass bead and high-pressure water. It is very effective when finishing aluminium alloy or magnesium alloy castings, as the ‘gentler’ water process produces a satin sheen.
The result of blasting processes can vary so whenever possible, take a representative piece for testing, or to be on hand to check progress.
4. Proprietary rust removal chemicals are available from a wide range of retails outlets including Frost Auto Restoration, Holden Classic and Vintage, and Halfords. Relevant products are, in alphabetical order, FE 123, Fertan Rust Converter, Glean Tech Rust Killer, Heavy Duty Rust Converter by Granville, Naval Jelly by Permatex Inc, POR 15, RustX, and Swarfega surface cleaner.
5. Believe it or not, citric acid (lemon juice) can be used as a very gentle rust and tarnish remover, and by adding ammonia to the solution, the process is speeded up. For details go, www.finishing.com/1800-1999/1865.shtml6. Tannic acid based rust remover is an unusual technique that nevertheless is meant to work very well. The chemicals for use are also readily available. Alan Timmins F.B.H.I Senior Instructor (clocks) B.H.I at Upton Hall in the UK, has posted an article giving details on how to conduct this process. For further information, go to http://www.bhi.co.uk/hints/rust2.html. 7. As strange as it sounds, mollases/mollasis have been reported to be very effective rust removers. Though ratios vary widely, seemingly the result is the same. Simply mix the mollases in water, and immerse the rusty parts in the solution for anything up to a couple of weeks. The rusty parts will come out rust free! The process is simple to operate and low cost. To obtain mollases in the UK, try an animal feed supplier – it is an ingredient used in horse feed. For more information go to, www.antiqueautoranch.com/montana500/adrian/rust.html8. Another technique that deserves to be better known is electrolytic rust removal. This process is highly suitable for home workshops and is capable of de-rusting both delicate and more substantial items. It’s main advantage is that it only removes rust from a rusted part, so good metal will not be affected. For this reason, it is used by conservators and collectors of antiques, clocks, instruments, etc. It removes rust right down to the rust pit, and can deal with parts that are impossible to get at by other means. The equipment for electrolytic rust removal is readily available from retail outlets. For more information go to: www.bhi.co.uk/hints/rust/htm, or www.htpaa.org.au/article-electro.phpNB: The process is essentially safe, but because hydrogen gas is produced, the process MUST be carried out in a well ventilated area – preferably outdoors. Also, all sources of ignition should be removed from the area. 9. Humidity is a key factor in the causes of rust and corrosion. Corrosion of bare ferrous metals can occur within very short time periods when the Relative Humidity is greater than 50%, therefore, by keeping humidity to a reasonable level with workshops and storage cabinets, a large step can be taken to effectively combating rust. Use a thermohygrometer to keep an eye on humidity levels. To purchase one go to http://www.enginewise.co.uk/acatalog/Miscellaneous.html
10. Rust-Away is a super-safe, non-toxic, non-corrosive, biodegradable rust remover. Not only is it easy to use and safe for operators and the environment, it removes rust from mild steel and iron with no bad fumes or odours. Also, it will not affect non-rusted steel, painted surfaces, brass, copper, aluminium, plastics, rubber and PVC. A very economical solution to the common problem of rust. If you would like more information on Rust-Away, simply go to http://www.enginewise.co.uk/acatalog/Rust_Away.html 11. Al-Clean is another highly effective, yet economical rust remover. Not only does it remove oxidation from aluminium castings, alloys and components but, after dissolving the rust, it produces clean etched metal surfaces ready for coating. Formulated with organic and inorganic acids, it is also extremely easy to apply - simply spray liberally onto the surface and work away the rust with a stiff nylon brush. For more information on Al-Clean, go to http://www.enginewise.co.uk/acatalog/AL_CLEAN.html
12. Whether you choose mechanical, chemical, or electrolytic methods to de-rust your tools, instruments, components, vehicles or craft, the processes that caused the problem in the first place will not go away. Rust is a common problem, but in most cases, with the use of preventative measures and proper care, it needn’t be. Why risk having to pay for expensive replacements, when, by using our low cost products such as MetalGuard and VapourSeal, rust can be kept at bay in the first place?
It is up to the reader to observe correct safety practices and take the necessary safety precautions.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 04 July 2006 )
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