[Milsurplus] [ARC5] Rust Removal

[J. Forster]

I used ReaLemon because I had it handy. It really works nicely.

-John

==========



>
> ----- 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
>
>