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rusted tow chain

 
John F Dean
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I was digging a post hole in my barn and hit a tow chain 18 inches down. Of course, it is pretty rusted, but it is in relatively good shape.  How do I remove the rust? .....or, at least, reduce the rust.

At my age, Happy Hour is a nap.

 
Jack Edmondson
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Soak it in a cola (Coke).  It is a mild acid and will remove a lot of the rust.  However, once metal begins to rust, it will continue to rust, unless treated with a coating to seal it from oxygen.  
 
John F Dean
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Thanks. You thinking is similar to mine. I was considering white vinegar.

At my age, Happy Hour is a nap.

 
Leigh Tate
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John F Dean wrote:I was considering white vinegar.


My husband uses vinegar on rusty tools. He just soaks it in a bucket with straight vinegar and checks it from time to time. He leaves it in for as long as it takes.

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Devin Lavign
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Leigh Tate wrote:

John F Dean wrote:I was considering white vinegar.


My husband uses vinegar on rusty tools. He just soaks it in a bucket with straight vinegar and checks it from time to time. He leaves it in for as long as it takes.



Yep vinegar is how I clean 100+ yr old tools. It is amazing how much rust will come off, and how nice things can look afterwards.

"Where will you drive your own picket stake? Where will you choose to make your stand? Give me a threshold, a specific point at which you will finally stop running, at which you will finally fight back." (Derrick Jensen)

 
Marco Banks
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If you want to seal that rust from further corroding the steel and give the chain a nice dark "oiled" look, you could give it a quick coat of Penetrol.  It's manufactured by Flood and it's available at better home stores or on Amazon.  It's a paint additive (to make oil paints flow better and not leave brush marks) but I use it to treat rust on antiques --- keeping the patina of age, but stopping the rust from further corrosion.  

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Flood-Penetrol-1-Qt-Clear-Paint-Additive-FLD4-04/100130893

Or just spray the chain with WD40 every couple of months until you get a nice oil coating built up.

"The rule of no realm is mine.  But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, these are my care.  And for my part, I shall not wholly fail in my task if anything that passes through this night can still grow fairer or bear fruit and flower again in days to come.  For I too am a steward.  Did you not know?"    Gandolf

 
Jack Edmondson
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Marco Banks wrote:If you want to seal that rust from further corroding the steel and give the chain a nice dark "oiled" look, you could give it a quick coat of Penetrol.  It's manufactured by Flood and it's available at better home stores or on Amazon.  It's a paint additive



Now that is a tip.  Thank you for that Marco.
 
Eric Hanson
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John,

I have used a product on a couple of outdoor tools (small axe) that had some rust on them.  The product is called Gemplers Rust Converter.  I got it in a simple aerosol can and just sprayed the axe with the rust converter.  I first cleaned the product and of course remove any rust that easily flakes off.  Once I sprayed it I let the axe sit for about a day.  The rust turned into a hard black substance that resists further rusting and I have to say that the axe has not rusted further.  If I get any rust on any other tools, Gemplers will be my go-to.

Hope this helps,

Eric

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John F Dean
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To follow up,  I washed off the chain with a hose. Then, i used a hammer to loosen it and get rid of some of the rust and hardened clay.  The soaking in vinegar seems to be working. I suppose at some point I will use a steel brush on it and re-soak in the vinegar.  Anyway, at this point it is useable.  Overall, it was a very low price to pay for a high quality chain.

At my age, Happy Hour is a nap.

 
paul salvaterra
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If you have a sandy area tow the chain  behind a vehicle,  my brother learned that in the army
 
Jasonreed Miller
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I use electrolysis - washing soda and a battery charger.  Learned this trick cleaning old gas tanks.  Works like a charm.  You can also use boiled linseed oil on your chain - get it hot first.
 
John F Dean
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5 days of soaking and some work with a wire brush has resulted in a mostly shiny tow chain.  All links move freely. Total cost is one hour of work and 1.5 gallons of white vinegar.  Harbor Freight lists a similar chain for $35.00. I will now follow up on the advice and look for a way to seal it after a couple more days of soaking.

At my age, Happy Hour is a nap.

 
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