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Thread: How to clean rusty bolts
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23rd Oct 2018, 03:19 PM #1
How to clean rusty bolts
I usually clean up rusty bolts on the bench top grinder with a wire wheel.
I’m wonder if there is a cheap and non toxic chemical option which could be used on bolts by the handful perhaps left for an hour or overnight?
Something that doesn’t require a secondary process to make them presentable again after.
I tried one of the commercial acid based solutions which worked converting the rust. It works on the surface only so good for light rust. The problem it leaves a dull grey finish with white residue that isn’t presentable.…..Live a Quiet Life & Work with your Hands
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23rd Oct 2018, 05:20 PM #2
Have a look at Evaporust. Not so cheap, but works well, environmentally friendly, and neither acidic or alkaline on the steel (or your hands). Cheers, Tony
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23rd Oct 2018, 05:20 PM #3Most Valued Member
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You have no doubt already heard of this option, but I have used molasses with great success. It requires a bit more time than just overnight but after 2 weeks in a 10 parts water 1 part molasses solution the parts come out beautiful.
I have also used electrolysis too which is OK. A bit quicker too although not as forgiving as the molasses solution.
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23rd Oct 2018, 06:04 PM #4Senior Member
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Using a wire wheel on a bolt / screw is a bad idea, it creates lots of little nicks and slices on the surface of the thread. At the bottom of the thread valleys, a nick in the surface can be a stress raiser and allow the beginnings of a crack. If its just some nice bolts for your workbench, meh, send it. But if its mission critical, DO NOT wire wheel. Buy new bolts.
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23rd Oct 2018, 07:07 PM #5Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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I have not tried any of these but the cheapest solutions involve the use of a weak organic acids like oxalic, citric and vinegar.
I'm told citric acid acid acts like a fast acting molasses and will not dissolve raw steel.
This is another experiment I will do when I get around to it.
Once you get them done remember you will have to act quickly to put a protective coat over the raw steel or it will rapidly rust again
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24th Oct 2018, 12:40 PM #6
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28th Oct 2018, 03:54 PM #7Diamond Member
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Is the molasses reusable over and over again? I've always wanted to give it a go, it seems that it is available at coles.
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28th Oct 2018, 04:04 PM #8Most Valued Member
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I think the molasses starts to degrade over time, but mine still works from the original brew after 12 months.
Not sure if Coles prices, but our local rural supplies place was around $25 for 20kg last time I bought it.
Steve
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28th Oct 2018, 06:26 PM #9Most Valued Member
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Just wondering, will molsasses plus any of the previous mentioned solutions remove the millscale from new steel?
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28th Oct 2018, 10:59 PM #10Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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The weaker organic acids take around 24-48 hours to remove mill scale.
If you want to do it quickly get some concentrated Hydrochloric acid (HCl) as this will do it in around 30 minutes depending on how thick the scale is.
Precautions for using HCl
Carefully read the MSDS
Wear gloves, eye protection and clothing protection as HCl will dissolve clothing. It may at first not appear to do anything to clothing but the next time you wash you clothes any HCl splashes will turn into holes.
If you get any on your skin immediately continuously flush the area with copious water like you would for a burn. You may not feel anything at first but later it can feel like a cigarette burn.
The pickling should be performed outside as the fumes can literally take your breath away.
Avoid doing the process inside a shed as the fumes will end up rusting every bit of exposed metal.
The process generates hydrogen so use a container that once filled with steel and HCl leaves little volume behind in the container so the H can easily float away.
Before you remove the steel from the pickling bath have a bath of neutraliser (baking soda) ready to neutralise the acid or it will start rusting immediately.
Leave the pickled steel in the neutralising bath for a few minutes after the steel stops bubbling.
Then rinse off the neutraliser with water and use an oil bath or spray, or paint primer ready to add protection or it will still rust.
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