[ARC5] Rust Removal

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J. Forster" <jfor at quikus.com>
To: <arc5 at mailman.qth.net>; <milsurplus at mailman.qth.net>; 
<armyradios at yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2012 3:04 PM
Subject: [ARC5] Rust Removal


> Hi,
>
> I got some tools wet inadvertantly and they rusted some. I 
> remembered that
> lemon juice could be used to remove surface rust, so I 
> tried it on a mill
> file. And, it works !!
>
> Practically speaking, I put the file in a ZipLok bag and 
> added some Real
> Lemon and let it sit overnight. It looks like new! It does 
> give off a
> kinda funky smell though.
>
> Best,
>
> -John

     Lemon juice contains citric acid which is a 
sequestering agent for some metals. There are other rust 
removers; two commonly used are phosphoric acid and oxalic 
acid. Phosphoric is found in Naval Jelly and in a lot of 
stain and mildew removers, and oxalic in Zud, Barkeeper's 
Friend, and other stain removing cleaners.  I find that the 
oxalic acid ones are less likely to damage plating. Both of 
these substances are reducing agents which remove the oxygen 
from oxides leaving the original metal. Phosphoric acid is 
found in small amounts in some soft drinks as a flavoring 
agent. It used to be in Coca-Cola (not sure it is any more) 
one reason Coke would dissolve nails. Citric is also found 
in a lot of foods because it is a preservative. It can be 
found in crystalline form in stores that sell home canning 
supplies. It is also used as an odor-free photographic stop 
bath. It may attack aluminum.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com