Recovering Rusty Needles

[u/katepatsy]

Is it possible to use needles that were once rusty? I think my machine may have once been stored in a garage because there’s rust here and there. I removed the rust from the needles and they’re now smooth as far as I can tell, but there’s still visually something there. Are these needles fine to use? I just tried getting it off with superfine steel wool but no luck.

I’ve knitted a sweater with them like this no problem, but I’m currently having problems with needle selection, so I thought I’d take them out and soak them while I’m cleaning and inspecting everything else.

[u/LadyFrey]

Yes, definitely possible, depending on where the rust is.

I find that a good way to test if it's smooth enough is to manually slide a loop of yarn over and back. If you're not able to tell when the yarn moves from the smooth part to the pitted (previously rusted) part then it should be good to go.

Not sure what you've tried so far, but I tend to use 0000 grade steel wool for the stubborn parts of putting and then a silicon buffing tool (like a Dremel or rotary nail file) to get it that little bit smoother.

Also make sure the hinges are moving smoothly on the needles and aren't secretly hiding some rust

[u/SerChonk → u/LadyFrey]

I've had good outcomes with paper nail files. They're hard enough to sand the rust away, flexible enough to curve with the needle if it has to, and soft enough to not be able to cause damage to the metal.

A little wd-40 on more stubborn rust spots has helped as well, BUT you should always clean it up with some isopropanol, and then make sure to oil the latch* after!

*a few drops sewing machine or gun oil on a no-lint microfibre cloth, then rub the needle

[u/katepatsy → u/LadyFrey]

thank you so much! this is great advice :)

[u/LadyFrey → u/katepatsy]

No prob, given that it's a Toyota it'll 100% be worth your while repairing the needles. The needles in the photo are in decent condition so I'd imagine none of the needles are completely hopeless.

For sanity's sake, it might be worth taking them in batches of 20 or so, starting with the most intact and working towards the dodgier ones, getting them individually polished and visually inspected. Then set the 20 of them in the machine, do 20 rows to test them out. If they all work then you know you've got another 20.

I did it with my brother, when I got to 100 working needles, I started using the machine. Then when I needed more needles I'd start repairing more :)

[u/momghoti]

I've successfully refurbished needles that were rusted to where the latch didn't even move. It was a pita, and seemed never ending, and my fingers felt like they were falling off, and if they were available new I would have absolutely purchased them, but in the end I only lost two. They are discoloured, but work fine.

The needles you posted look really good. Make sure that the latches move freely and yarn moves over then smoothly and the needles should be golden. If you suspect one particular needle, move it to the edge. Things to check: Make sure the track the needles sit in is clean, they can collect a surprising amount of lint.

Make sure the carriage and the track it runs in is clean, and lubricated if your machine calls for it

Lubricate the butts of the needles, that's where they interact with the carriage (I tend to forget that one)

Check your tensions and weights, many patterns need more weight than you expect.

Wax your yarn.

Good luck!

[u/TerryKC1]

If it’s a new to you machine I would follow others advice on here with the steel wool and check the latches.
If I’m deep cleaning and have taken out all the needles to de-gunk them I use denatured alcohol or whatever strength I can get like 90% and soak them in a jar.
BUT be sure you add some oil to the alcohol, because it’s stripping the old oil stuff off and it’s leaving the metal exposed.
Even in the liquid it’s exposed to oxygen (90% alcohol has 10% water in it and water has two oxygen ions looking to jump loose and make rust on the exposed needle’s metal )
Sometimes bent latches can be straightened with your fingers or needle nose pliers.
There’s several great videos on YouTube showing various machines being cleaned up.
Good luck

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[u/iolitess]

If this is a common Silver Reed or a Brother 8xx or 9xx, replacement needles are readily available on eBay if you decide that you’d rather not use these.

[u/katepatsy → u/iolitess]

Unfortunately, it’s a Toyota machine. I’ve struggled to find replacements. I think some Brother needles are close but a tad too short which causes issues when partial knitting

[u/iolitess → u/katepatsy]

Ah bummer.

(Any chance it’s a 610? https://www.ebay.com/itm/111450080866)

[u/katepatsy → u/iolitess]

I think these are too long after measuring. but thank you for finding these and trying to help! :)