Rust removal

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 28 Dec 2009, 12:20

This is a handy method for objects that will come off the car.

Take a PLASTIC bucket with enough water to cover the object. Throw in a couple of tablespoons of Washing Soda. Take a battery charger. Put Neg terminal onto the objectbeing cleaned. This will be the Cathode. The Positive goes to a bit of scrap mild steel..this is Anode. Make sure they have space to not touch in bucket.

Turn on and leave for 24 hrs. The Anode ends up with the rust and gunge attracted to it.

You can experiment with different size Anodes and time in bath for best results.

Brigsygtt · Post by **Brigsygtt** » 28 Dec 2009, 19:41

Looks good ill have to try it 8)

Soaking small parts in vinegar works ok too.

Post by **CitroJim** » 28 Dec 2009, 20:14

Good stuff Lexi

Inspired!

You may get even better results if you use zinc as the anode as it has a different electropotential to steel.

This is the same idea behind the use of sacrificial anodes on the hulls of boats to protect them against rust.

colinxm · Post by **colinxm** » 04 Jan 2010, 20:12

Hi Lexi, nice tip - thanks !

One question though, what is Washing Soda ?

Cheers Colin.P

TopDonkey · Post by **TopDonkey** » 04 Jan 2010, 20:42

I've soaked really rusty parts and even tools in vinegar (i think it has to be the clear vinegar), and they come up spotless after a day or 2, i usually have a big pot of vinegar in my garage to drop parts into if i need to do any derusting, just make sure you have an airtight lid on it as it really stinks !

lexi · Post by **lexi** » 09 Feb 2010, 18:50

One question though, what is Washing Soda

It`s Sodium Carbonate Colin.

The advantage to this method is that none of the metal is eaten (as with acids) .......ONLY the rust. It is used by Horologists on tiny parts that cannot stand acid or abrasion.