How to get light rust of bolts for a bike been kept outside?

[doosht]

Have just bought a new (second hand) bike. Its been kept outside for the last year and the little bolts have light to medium rust on them but not seized. Have any of you got any pears of wisdom about how best to get the rust of? I heard Apple Cider Vinegar is good?

Also, the chain has fairly heavy rust. Any solution to this or should i just buy a new one - the chain still works ok by the way but rusted.

Many thanks in advance

Doosht

[Paul Drawmer]

Anything that is rusted will need refinishing (unless it's stainless, which can have surface only contamination rust) So, for non stainless rusty fittings, you will need to replace, repaint of re-plate.

A rusty chain is scrap really.

[Spleeble]

I replaced all the bolts on my bikes with either titanium or A4 grade stainless steel. Can get expensive but they will now last forever.

[Gooby]

Use a copper brush on the nuts.
If the chain is a cheapy then ditch it and replace. I recently rusted and siezed a £60 SRAM hollowpin. A couple of hours with a wire brush then copper brush. Put in a pot of penetrating oil overnight. Then free all the links. De-grease then attack with the brush again. WD40 and then work the links to get the rust of the pivots and inside the links. Clean and de grease. Put it on the bike and uses some lightening wet ride. Wont be perfect but it will do the winter.

[doosht]

Thanks guys, it was only a £75 bike so i dont really want to be spending money on titanium bolts

I'm simply looking to do it up on the cheap if you like.

[deckster]

doosht said:

Thanks guys, it was only a £75 bike so i dont really want to be spending money on titanium bolts

I'm simply looking to do it up on the cheap if you like.

In which case, which bolts and why do you care?

Get a new chain for sure, replace the freewheel/cassette at the same time; you should get change from £20 and end up with a sweet-running machine.

[anonymous-user]

If you can clean the bolts, or choose to replace them, cover the heads in vaseline or some other waterproof barrier to prevent more rust.

[shalmaneser]

use use some brasso (or similar light cutting compound) and elbow grease. Obviously depends how rusty, but i've seen some great results.

[yellowjack]

Have a look at 'Genolite' Jelly ( http://www.wilcodirect.co.uk/index.php?main_page=p... )- good local motor factors will have some. Read the directions (even if you don't follow them ) and it'll eat rust like you won't believe.

[RichB]

they still make that, I used to use it 40 years ago - good stuff. p.s. don't get it on your hands.

[Kermit power]

I rather like the thought of a "pear of wisdom".

[Paul Drawmer]

That's a couple of books of cricket stats isn't it?