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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    australia
    Posts
    20

    Default rusty gym weights - any advice?

    We are trying to set up a home weights gym on a tight budget. We've had some barbell weights donated but many are quite rusty to the point that when handled with bare hands they cut the skin up a bit. I was thinking of getting some WD40 and steel wool onto them but not sure if this is the way to go or if they are even salvageable.

    Does anyone have any advice on how to clean them up, whether to bother with them and whether I should seal them somehow if I do manage to get them cleaned up?

    Cheers

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Hoppers Crossing VIC
    Age
    48
    Posts
    22

    Default

    If your on a budget, you could probably start with a wire brush on a small angle grinder, it should get the rust out.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Peakhurst
    Age
    66
    Posts
    84

    Default



    You could also use a wire brush on a drill. After that spray them with a clear lacquer.
    Steve

    Live while you're alive and sleep when you're dead

  4. #4
    Dave J Guest

    Default

    If they have rusted through the chrome theres no bringing them back. I would suggest wrapping them with some electrical tape, in a color of your choice.
    Dave

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Quindanning, WA
    Posts
    175

    Default

    Have a look at these links or google 'electrolytic rust removal'

    Electrolytic Rust Removal

    Electrolytic Rust Removal aka Magic

    I used this method extensively when restoring an old tractor a few years ago... works great and is dead cheap. The rust doesn't just fall off but it does turn black and soften up so you can easily wire brush it off. I think it works by the fact that the hydrogen evolved at the piece changes the composition of the rust. The only disclamer I would make would to be careful if you are worried about hydrogen embrittlement even though it is most likely a very remote risk.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Munruben, Qld
    Age
    83
    Posts
    434

    Default

    Major panic from this forum has a good insight into electrolysis on his website HERE
    Easy to follow explanation to the process. I have used this method and it is very successful and cheap to set up. Just click through the slide show
    Reality is no background music.
    Cheers John

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Melbourne Australia
    Posts
    17

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    Melbourne, Aus.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    0

    Default

    Yeah, wot Dave said.

    But instead of electrical tape there's some self-sticking silicone tape used for repairs by outback 4WD folks and it looks shmick. Prob found at Repco or Supercheap.

    If this appeals I'll go digging through my pile of mags one of which has the proper name.
    Cheers, Ern

  9. #9
    Dave J Guest

    Default

    My son told me, there is some stuff they wrap on tennis racket handles as well. Not sure what it is or how much it costs though. You don't want to end up spending more than what they cost new.
    Rereading your post, if it's the actual weights that are rusty, use the wire brush/ wire wheel suggested method above.
    Dave

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Mid North Coast NSW
    Age
    45
    Posts
    177

    Default

    You can buy heat shrink that has a flocked grip on it, it is used for fishing rod handles. Comes in a range of sizes and shrinks to 50% its original size when heated with a heat gun. Spray some adhesive on the bar then slide on and heat.

    You'd probably get the bars sandblasted pretty cheaply and is an EXTREMELY effective method of removing rust quickly and entirely.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,656

    Default

    Are they plated if not wire brush , elbow grease and some black enamel paint, if plated angle grinder with wire brush, elbow grease and some black enamel paint

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