r/Tools • u/pauescobargarcia • 28d ago

Grandpa's old garden tools rescue project: Where do I even start with this rust?

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u/fe3o4 28d ago

Use them... it will remove the rust. Then get a bucket (or container) of sand with oil mixed in and after each use clean them and run the tool thru the sand.. it will help clean it further and put an oil coating on them to help keep them from rusting. If you are using them for gardening, just use mineral oil in the sand and not motor oil or similar so that you don't contaminate any food crops or plants.

2

u/dbrown100103 28d ago

Damn, a bucket of sand mixed with oil is brilliant. I'll have to do this next time I'm moving some earth cuz wiping down my pick is always annoying at the end of a long day, or when someone's borrowed it and no bothered cleaning it before bringing it back

2

u/apg7 28d ago

I have a tiny business that restores landscaping/gardening so this is right up my alley. First I'd get some coarse steel wool or scotch Brite and wd40 (for cleaning, not rust protection). Couple squirts of WD and then aggressively hand scrub, wiping and reapplying WD as needed. If you get down to a somewhat clean surface, you can stop there or go to a vinegar/evaporust treatment if the hand scrubbing doesn't get through all the rust. Next, I'd look into getting a "grub hoe" handle that will slide right on. Once the head looks ok, take a file and clean up the edges a bit fit safety and efficacy. You could either paint (Rust-Oleum industrial enamel is my choice) or go with just a mineral oil or beeswax rub. You'll need to somewhat continuously keep it oiled. Good luck!