HOW TO RESTORE OLD TOOLS WITH Q12 RUST REMOVER
QUESTION:
Doing DIY around the house and woodwork projects in my garage is my weekend passion, but I live at the coast, and I find that keeping my tools rust-free is a constant battle. What’s the best method (or rust remover) to go about restoring old tools?
ANSWER:
This is especially the case with older tools, which may have been handed down from a father or grandfather, many of which were made from ferrous steel. You know, old thread gauges, feeler gauges, protractors and wood chisels… items you cherish, and want to keep in the best condition possible so that you can hand them down to your children one day.
The following steps will help you to remove fine, surface-rust from your tools, and return them to their original lustre.
Older-generation tools tend to rust quicker than newer ones.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED…
- A bottle of Q12 Rust Remover
- An old paintbrush
- A can of Q20
- A small wire brush
- A sheet of 200 grit Wet ’n Dry sand paper
- A few rags
- Some elbow grease and a little patience
THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE…
Start by removing any excess surface-rust with a wire brush.
Thoroughly shake the bottle of Q12; then, using the old paintbrush, apply a generous layer to the entire surface area of the tool. The Q12 has a relatively thick viscosity, so a thinner paintbrush is often preferred as it allows you to get the gel into hard-to-reach places. Allow the Q12 to work its way into the rust by leaving the tool to stand for 15 to 20 minutes.
After a short time, gently rinse the tool under running water – the Q12 will wash right off.
Use a rag to dry the tool.
You’ll notice that most of the rust will be gone, but the tool may now have a slightly dull appearance. If this is the case, you can either use a brass wire brush to buff the tool, or, apply Q20 to the flattening paper and use it to polish the tool.
Wipe the tool clean again with a rag, and apply a fresh squirt of Q20 to prevent rust from returning.
Remove any excess oil, and store the tool in a tool chest, or sealable plastic box if you’re not going to use it again for quite some time.
This process can be used for most steel surfaces, but please note that Q12 should not be applied to any chrome-plated surfaces. It would be best to test the product on a small section of the steel before applying. Stubborn areas may require a repeat application.
