Over time, metal tools that have sat in your garage or shop for years will start to develop rust. This can result in the tool not functioning as well as it should, or potentially breaking down, so it’s a good idea to remove rust from your older tools in Monroe, LA as it becomes a problem.
Rust is formed through a chemical reaction when the iron in the metal of the tools is exposed to oxygen in the presence of water. Moist, humid or damp conditions can be extremely harmful for tools, so it’s important to keep your tools stored properly and away from moisture. This is the best way to prevent rust from forming.
Of course, even careful storage might not completely prevent rust formation over a long enough period of time, so it’s also important to know what you can do to remove rust that is already on tools. While you can find rust removal products on the market, these tend to be expensive and can be tough on the environment. Plus, you might already have some products around the house that will act as natural rust removal materials.
So, can rust be removed from tools in Monroe, LA? The answer is yes, and you might already have everything you need for the job. Here are a few examples of some simple rust removal methods you can try at home:
- Vinegar: Acid is an excellent rust remover, and in some cases can instantly clear up some of the bits of rust from your tools. Place your tools in a bowl and pour white vinegar over the top. Shake the bowl to make sure the vinegar completely covers the tools, and allow the tools to soak in the vinegar for about a day before you pour it out. You may need to do a bit of scrubbing afterward, but this should loosen up most of the rust if it hasn’t settled in to a significant extent.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice is another natural acid you can use to remove rust. Pour salt on the tools, rub it in and squeeze some lemon juice on top. Let it soak in for several hours before scrubbing off the mixture with steel wool or with the lemon rind.
- Baking soda: Pour some baking soda into a bowl and mix it with water to create a paste. Put the paste on the rusted areas, and allow it to sit for a few hours before scrubbing it with a stiff brush, such as an old toothbrush.
- Steel wool or paint scrapers: If you’re dealing with a much more significant rust problem, you may need to go a bit more heavy-duty with your rust removal solutions. Steel wool or a paint scraper can be used to rub or scrape off rust—just be careful not to damage the underlying metal. Use this method to remove the thicker areas of rust before trying one of the above approaches.
For more information about how to remove rust from tools in Monroe, LA, contact Ram Rent-All, Inc. today.