Alright, so when my grandfather passed in January I inherited some of his tools. In particular, I have a EA Grobet coarse rasp, probably 12-14 inches long. It's covered with a light coat of surface rust due to exposure to a saltwater environment (he lived in RI on the coast). I just fitted a new handle to it, and I want to make sure it lives a long life in my workshop.

I am in the process of trying to get photos onto Imgur from my phone, and will update once I have them. In the meantime, since scrubbing it with a wire brush is out, anyone got any suggestions? I have thought about boiling it in some water to rust blue it, but would like to hear some other possible solutions.

Soak in 1:10 solution of muriatic acid (any pool supply store will have it).

https://sciencing.com/clean-ru...ic-acid-8319296.html

Sounds like a worthwhile restoration project. I have a few of my grandfather's tools and cherish them.

I've had great success with Evapo-Rust

Available on-line and at most hardware/big box stores.

Here's the photos.

I've got quite a few of his files, though this is one of the few that is worth saving (the rest are fodder for making knives, assuming there's enough good steel there).

I've heard of Evapo-Rust though I've never used it. Might have to get some.

Vinegar

https://www.theruststore.com/H...-Evapo-Rust-W28.aspx

Get some Evaporust. Soak the files till the rust comes off and then rinse them down. They should be good to go!

-edit- I see others have faster fingers than me.

Another vote for Evapo-rust, works well, and it's reusable.

I was going to recommend Ospho, but after looking at the photos, that might be a bit too aggressive.
Would also likely alter the finish.

It looks to be in really nice shape to me. I live in Florida, so all of mine have a light coat of surface rust as well.

I'd probably just put it to work, rather than risking having the acids in the rust agents dull the points of the rasp. I'd spray it down with WD-40 or PB Blaster, wipe with a rag, blow with compressed air, and put it to work.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I was going to recommend Ospho, but after looking at the photos, that might be a bit too aggressive.
Would also likely alter the finish.

I agree Ospho is not the right product, Evaporust would be perfect.

I'd polish it off by making some sawdust with it.

Use a brass bristle brush to remove any accumulated crud .

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Vinegar

Works ... ! I soak rusted metal items in white vinegar for a few hours, rinse, then a quick 5 minute soaking in baking soda and water. Dry well and a light coating of silicone.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
Soak in 1:10 solution of muriatic acid (any pool supply store will have it).

https://sciencing.com/clean-ru...ic-acid-8319296.html

Be very careful with this. It will etch the metal if not done with perfect dilution and duration.

Also make sure to have something basic to dunk it in afterwards to neutralize the acid.

The overwhelming support for evaporust has me trying to get my hands on some, it seems.

OTOH you got them with some rust, that's the way they've aged, unless they are going into a shadow box, or need to be salvaged, then agree with Artie, go find something to work on, and use them... they only are original once, no need to change that.

quote:

Originally posted by vulrath:
Alright, so when my grandfather passed in January I inherited some of his tools. In particular, I have a EA Grobet coarse rasp, probably 12-14 inches long. It's covered with a light coat of surface rust due to exposure to a saltwater environment (he lived in RI on the coast). I just fitted a new handle to it, and I want to make sure it lives a long life in my workshop.

I am in the process of trying to get photos onto Imgur from my phone, and will update once I have them. In the meantime, since scrubbing it with a wire brush is out, anyone got any suggestions? I have thought about boiling it in some water to rust blue it, but would like to hear some other possible solutions.

I have a wood rasp that probably looked a lot like your rasp. It was evenly red with rust. As bad as it was I just said "heck, I can't hurt it" and got out my largest pot and boiled it. After 3 one hours sessions I brushed it clean with a nylon brush and sprayed it down with WD-40 so it was nice and wet. Waited a day and it was dry so I sprayed with with some more WD-40 and after a day to soak in I blotted it dry with a paper towel. That rasp now looks better than it did with was brand new in the shrink rap with a nice even semi gloss black finish and it is VERY VERY sharp.

Bottom line, drop that file straight into a pot of boiling water. After a total of 3 hours you will be amazed and after a good oil soak you'll be stunned. Note you will have to keep an eye on the water level and add water as needed during the boil. Also if you don't have a pot big enough to do the entire file flip between cycles and double your boiling time.

+ 1 for EvapoRust. Works great!

quote:

Originally posted by Skins2881:

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo Jones:
Soak in 1:10 solution of muriatic acid (any pool supply store will have it).

https://sciencing.com/clean-ru...ic-acid-8319296.html

Be very careful with this. It will etch the metal if not done with perfect dilution and duration.

Also make sure to have something basic to dunk it in afterwards to neutralize the acid.

For a nice tool like that, with teeth, muriatic will dissolve the steel, literally. At best for even a weak solution for a short time, I would expect some degredation of the working surface of the teeth, which could ruin the cutting ablity of the file. Hmmm. Not sure. Maybe... spray with fluid film to stop the rust, then degrease it before a job, maybe your project will help reduce the rust. Then repeat. I don't know.

I've also had good results with evaporust, but it will destroy any natural patina that may be acting as suface passification. For a fine old tool, I'd rather keep a little rust than destroy any existing natural surface passivity.

We need somebody with lots of experience with this.

Look up My Mechanics on YT. He restores a LOT of stuff where he has to get the rust off. Maybe that will lead you down the correct path.