Cleaning rusty tools?

[RichB]

Been spending some time in the garage lately tidying it and sifting through hundreds of old tools. Over the years I have hoarded tools belonging to my dad, grandad and uncle and I've never refused a box of old stuff when offered!

Since I got the Lagonda I've started to build a small collection of appropriate tools; chunky Whitworth spanners, adjustable spanners, box spanners, screwdrivers, files etc. I've got a lot of tools that could well be 60-70 years old but they are old and rusty.

So, how best to clean them, any suggestions? I could soak them a tray of petrol and wire wool them but that sound exceptionally tedious. I've heard about these ultrasounds baths but I don't know if they would remove surface rust. I don't have access to a sand blaster but wondered if a home garage sized one might be a good acquisition.

Any thoughts for someone working in a home garage?

[RichB]

So all in a bucket and in with 2 ltrs of cheap coke, does it need to be Coke-Cola or will Lidl's do?

[RichB]

V8 Fettler said:

Hang tools at pig's head height above lots of pigs. A country person told me this a few decades ago.

You did read the bit about suitable in a home garage!

[RichB]

droopsnoot said:

... I've used citric and phosphoric (in the form of Milkstone Remover) to clean stuff, and I prefer Citric...

So with the citric acid soak what quantity would I need in for example in a gallon of water? 1kg / gallon or less?

[RichB]

Thanks so 1 kg in a two gallon bucket. I'll give it a try!

[RichB]

I've bought some citric acid so I'l report back on how it works.

[RichB]

Mr. Magoo said:

RichB said:

I've bought some citric acid so I'l report back on how it works.

Rich,
I am nearing the de-gunking/degreasing/derusting phase of my 3L engine. Your experience here will be welcome. Do feel free to drop me a line on your progress to my email address.

Will do Alec but it's some rusty tools that I intend to give a citric acid soak, it may be more difficult to get a 3 ltr block in a Tupperware container