I have some small pedal car parts in would like to derust, looking for homemade concoction to soak parts. I was told molasses works good, any thoughts on what to use. Thanks for the help
Try this, I've had amazing results. It removes rust without removing paint or even without destroying decals. Saw it on an antique bicycle forum. You can do small parts with no problem. https://vintageamericanbicycles.com/index.php/2019/07/25/saving-a-rust-bucket/
Do a search here. A lot of information on various methods. Molasses included. If you don’t get great results from searching, do a google search with the word Hamb in it.
Citric acid Citric acid Citric acid It's the active ingredient in molasses. For the small amount you need, buy it in powdered form in the baking aisle at your grocery store. Mix into a container of water. Soak your parts for as long as it takes. Easy to wash the residue off afterwards. It's a mild acid, but you should still neutralize by dipping the parts in a solution of water and baking soda. Mix the baking soda water with the acid water and pour it on your lawn. Do a search for more in-depth information.
Would this work on chrome parts without hurting the chrome? Say a chrome rims with rust spots? Sent from my SM-J7008 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
In my experience... YES. Proof... Just finished restoring a chrome frame bicycle for a little friend of mine. There was rust. I soaked it in the citric acid solution till there wasn't any rust and then some. Didn't seem to touch the chrome. Not that I could see. But of course you need to protect it somehow from rusting again. Chrome cleaner and wax helps.
I've tried Citric acid and was mildly impressed. My go to methods are reverse electrolysis (ask Uncle Google for instructions) and Evaporust which is a store bought item.
I like Evapo Rust works well is reusable. Only downside it would be expensive for large items. The reverse electrolysis using an old battery charger also works well especially on very heavily rusted items.
I have used “Rust 911” with great success. After reading an early post in this thread I have just orders 5lb Oxalic acid. $18.99 & free shipping on eBay.
I have used reverse electrolysis before and in my opinion, it’s downside is it’s more of a “line of sight” type process. It also seemed to be a slow process. I’m a fan of citric acid for several reasons. The main one being, it gets everywhere. Like a hood that has inner structure, deck lid, doors, etc. It’s relatively inexpensive and while it does eventually weaken or wear itself out, a batch will work for quite a while. I won’t use anything else. I buy it in bulk in 50 lb bags off eBay.
I just redid some sad irons I found at an estate sale. Front iron before evaporust Same iron after evaporust (2 hour soak) I was a skeptic but it actually works pretty well. It is not for use on anything but steel and care should be taken not to soak for too long. You can reuse evaporust over and over. I ran the used evaporust through a coffee filter after I was done to get all the junk out of it.
I have used citric acid with good results. Simple, cheap, and easy to dispose of. I soaked a rusty chrome shifter for a few days and it came out amazing. It was so rusty, I couldn’t get anything to move, and after, it was like new. Didn’t hurt the chrome at all and all rust looked to be gone.
We all have our favorites. Electrolysis has been mine for many years. https://49fordcoupe.smugmug.com/Tips-and-Tricks/i-x2KqWmz/A And https://49fordcoupe.smugmug.com/Tips-and-Tricks/i-D5rc5v8/A
Just ordered some oxalic acid, looks like it worked great on the bikes. Cheap enough to give it a try.
EvapoRust is available at Harbor Freight and the price isn't bad when you use one of their 20% coupons.
*Hazard Fraud* I'll look for this when I go next! Sent from my SM-J7008 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app