Comments on: Remove Rust, Zinc and Black Oxide with ‘The Works’

By: sailorjoe

sailorjoe — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:18:25 +0000

I tried this tip on an old Atkins rip saw my father left me. Frankly, I didn’t expect to ever be able to use that saw again, and I was just saving it to make card scrapers. But The Works worked. I soaked some paper towels in the solution and layer them over the saw, both sides. Because of the odor, I worked with the garage door fully opened. I let it sit in my garage workshop overnight. The next day, all the rust just wiped off. I rinsed the saw under the hose for 15 minutes, and thought I was finished. Oops! A day later, my saw was covered with rust again! The day after that, a small pocket knife that was laying on the bench also became covered in surface rust. Then the next day my scroll saw developed a coating of surface rust, which wasn’t there the day before. Apparently the chlorine fumes were settling on nearby surfaces, and eventually reacting with the water in the air. Lesson learned: use the Works outside and about mile away from the rest of my tools. I wish I had read these other comments before I tried the tip.

By: chrismobley

chrismobley — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:40:49 +0000

Thanks for the tips Christopher.
Chris Mobley
http://www.cmobleydesigns.com

By: Elmer

Elmer — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 02:00:51 +0000

Did not work as well as Evapo rust. More dangerous then evapo rust.

By: woodstudio

woodstudio — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 20:24:50 +0000

I’ve also used a mixture of white vinegar and water to remove rust. Submerge the item if possible. The timing is determined on the how bad the rust is and how diluted the vinegar is. Just keep checking until it is done. I’ve left items in overnight with no issues.

By: senior-chief

senior-chief — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:41:53 +0000

I tried the ” Works ” yesterday and it worked just fine. The spray bottle only cost $3.29. Thanks for the tip—

By: PWFan

PWFan — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:48:52 +0000

Is The Works safe for septic systems? Some cleaners are not appropriate for them, especially if they’re old.

By: gumpbelly

gumpbelly — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 22:20:43 +0000

Good job Chris.

Even after fully explaining to do this, that and the other you got the hornets nest all stirred up. CHEMICALS!!!!!!!! we must run in circles and throw hands in air, whatever will we all do?

I imagine some would post warnings if you suggested the use of butter, and a toothbrush.

But on the other hand, thanks for the tip, I have some already, and will try it, WAYYYY cheaper than Evaporust.

By: Christopher Hawkins

Christopher Hawkins — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:05:15 +0000

For rust removal, I prefer the electrolytic method which is well described at http://www.instructables.com/id/Electrolytic-Rust-Removal-aka-Magic/. The great thing about this method is that it only attacks rust. You don’t have to worry about leaving the object in the rust removing solution too long and having it dissolve parts you want to keep. And besides, it looks way cool.

One caveat, don’t use stainless steel as the electrode. You’ll make hexavalent chromium which is a very bad actor.

By: woodnutbob

woodnutbob — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:01:32 +0000

Well I finally tried this on and old Plane Iron full of corrosion etc and probably 100 years of whatever. After 1/2 hour it was like brand new I am really impressed with the 1.78 investment at Home Depot.

By: Tom Dugan

Tom Dugan — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:20:39 +0000

A couple of data points to the discussion so far:

Household vinegar does a fine job of removing zinc. Just remember to leave the lid unsealed as hydrogen gas gets released in the process.

When mixing baking soda with water, aim for a saturated solution. Simply keep adding to water and stirring until no more dissolves. You’ll get a slightly higher concentration if you use warmer water, but I doubt that makes a measurable difference.

Finally, if you go with TB cleaner you can always use your toilet to hold the pieces you’re stripping. Two birds, one stone! Err, chemical. Added benefit is that the little room should already have good ventilation.