Rust removal

[grat]

I'm currently rehabilitating an old ICA Reflex quarter-plate camera, and the screws are definitely not brass.

Some time ago, I became aware of a product called Evapo-Rust, which is a reusable, non-toxic, non-bio-hazard, eco-friendly rust remover that you just soak and rinse to use. Sounds too good to be true, but when people like Adam Savage start swearing the stuff actually works, it's worth trying.

Tonight I tried some out at the "minimum" dosage-- soaked a dozen or so screws and fasteners with minor rust for about half an hour, removed from the solution, rinsed and dried.

Verdict is generally positive-- everything is considerably cleaner, although the washers will need another soak.

Before:


After:

 

[Don_ih]

Once you get all the rust off, soak them in oil for a while then wipe them off. A thin coat of oil will prevent new rust. Very clean steel will easily rust.

 

[AgX]

The idea behind some rust-removers is to place a phospate layer on the steel, thus yielding some protection.

 

[grat]

The directions point this out as well. Obviously, they want you to use their product, but some form of protection is a good idea.

 

[Tel]

Looks like useful stuff; thanks for the heads-up! (Just starting yet another view camera restoration project--lots of rust in there.)

 

[throneking]

i have only ever used white vinegar up to now on rusty tools. slow process but works reasonably well

 

[shutterfinger]

Cider vinegar works well.