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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
If your on a budget, you could probably start with a wire brush on a small angle grinder, it should get the rust out.
:whs:
You could also use a wire brush on a drill. After that spray them with a clear lacquer.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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