The Power of Electrolysis | How To Transform Rusty Tools

[WX]

[Jim Mahan]

I've done it, once, years ago, after reading about it here. My setup was less complicated than in the video. It's been so long ago, I can't recall even the power source I used. I used a five gallon bucket, and left it cooking for a day or so. Derusted a half dozen yardsale files and rasps. It not only cleans them up, it sharpens them, as well. It also, in my case, left them all faintly green.

[nedL]

This is popular with antique engine restorers. Very effective!

[Andrew2]

I've done it, once, years ago, after reading about it here. My setup was less complicated than in the video. It's been so long ago, I can't recall even the power source I used. I used a five gallon bucket, and left it cooking for a day or so. Derusted a half dozen yardsale files and rasps. It not only cleans them up, it sharpens them, as well. It also, in my case, left them all faintly green.

I remember an old hand telling me that dropping rusty files in acid cleaned them up and left them sharper. Similar process.

[jpatrick]

Most of my etching work is doing the opposite: My work piece is the anode and it etches. Usually with a mask of some sort over it to create a pattern. I've also done the rust removal thing as in the video. Ordinary table salt is all one needs in the water. I've never bothered with heating the water and doubt that doing so would effectively affect an overnight process.

Jeff

[WX]

The author of the video has quite a lot of interesting videos. An English rolling machine was something new to me.

[Larks]

Thanks Gary, a good video - I’ll explore his other videos.

A good soaking in vinegar for sharpening files - an old blacksmiths advice.

[Edward Pearson]

I use Evapo-rust. It's amazeballs.

[WX]

Thanks Gary, a good video - I’ll explore his other videos.

A good soaking in vinegar for sharpening files - an old blacksmiths advice.

Greg (and anybody else) this one is quite long so tune into it at 11.30. The whole thing is interesting but the old guy and his cars is great.

[Mike-in-Suffolk]

I remember an old hand telling me that dropping rusty files in acid cleaned them up and left them sharper. Similar process.

Vinegar does the job nicely......and with a lot less hassle than electrolysis.

[stromborg]

Molasses has a good reputation for rust removal too.

[Boatbum]

I've done it, once, years ago, after reading about it here. My setup was less complicated than in the video. It's been so long ago, I can't recall even the power source I used. I used a five gallon bucket, and left it cooking for a day or so. Derusted a half dozen yardsale files and rasps. It not only cleans them up, it sharpens them, as well. It also, in my case, left them all faintly green.

I found that Evaporust works just as good and the liquid is reusable

[Larks]

Molasses has a good reputation for rust removal too.

I’ve used molasses (with water) a few times on big items (anvils, post vices, wheels). It takes a long time, is messy and smelly and attracts bugs if you don’t seal the container but it does work really well.

[Stiletto]

I once cleaned the inside of a motorcycle tank by electrolysis. It was difficult keeping the anode and cathode apart, but I achieved a good result.