Fix Your Stuff Community Store

How To Remove Rust From Old Tools

Introduction

Do you have some rusty old tools laying around the house? Use this guide to remove that pesky rust and return your tools to good working condition.

What you need

  1. How To Remove Rust From Old Tools, How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 1, image 1 of 2 How To Remove Rust From Old Tools, How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Removing rust generally isn't dangerous, but it's pretty messy.

    • Prepare your workspace by laying out an old towel or shop rag that you won't mind getting dirty.

    • Consider also wearing protective gloves.

    • Place your tool on the towels.

    Edit

  2. How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 2, image 1 of 2 How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Spray the rusty areas of the tool with a generous amount of WD-40.

    Edit

  4. How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 3, image 1 of 3 How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 3, image 2 of 3 How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use a scouring pad to thoroughly scrub the tool.

    • It shouldn't take a lot of force—the WD-40 and scouring pad will do most of the work.

    Edit

  5. How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 4, image 1 of 3 How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 4, image 2 of 3 How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Use a paper towel to wipe away the excess grime and WD-40.

    Edit

  6. How To Remove Rust From Old Tools: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Continue scouring the tool, adding more WD-40 as needed, until the surface is free of rust.

    • When you finish, your tool may not look brand new—but the surface should now be rust-free and ready for years of continued use.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

11 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Geoff Wacker

Member since: 09/30/13

90,925 Reputation

89 Guides authored

Badges: 44

+41 more badges

2 Comments

Apple cider vinegar removes rust well. Try it.

Michael Jucker - Reply

Thank you I have tried vinagar ,rust buster and other sprays and only the WD 40 worked best

Ronald Tyler - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 2

Past 7 Days: 21

Past 30 Days: 110

All Time: 5,727