PDA

View Full Version : Best Way to Remove Rust

Unique
08-09-2006, 07:03 PM
A couple of years ago I went out walking in the woods with a girlfriend and I found a sword.

It doesn't have it's handle any more but you can tell it's a sword. It's rusty - real thick gobs of rust - though you can see bare metal in some spots.

My neighbor thinks I should try to clean it. I'm afraid I'll destroy it completely. It's just hanging around the house - I don't want to throw it away - but I don't know what to do with it either.

Should I clean it? What would a professional do with this thing?

Advice, opinons, how-to would be appreciated.
alleycat
08-09-2006, 07:08 PM
According to the Antiques Road Show . . . don't clean it.

It could be worth $75,000!

Or . . . maybe it's junk.
Unique
08-09-2006, 07:11 PM
Okay, so I don't clean it.

What does one do with $75,000 worth of rust?
alleycat
08-09-2006, 07:26 PM
Look for any markings near where the hilt should be.

It's probably junk. No offense.
Unique
08-09-2006, 07:41 PM
None taken. You're probably right.

But I don't see any markings there. That's why my neighbor keeps telling me to clean it.
alleycat
08-09-2006, 07:50 PM
Do they have gun and knife shows where you live? If they do, take it to one of those. Or call up one of those people who are always advertising for War Souvenirs Wanted in the paper. If anyone shows any interest at all (which I doubt), then decide what to do with it.

It would have to be almost a one-of-a-kind rarity to be worth much in that condition. I collect ancient Greek and Roman coins; people are always surprised when I tell them that poor examples can be had for $10 or $20. They always assume that if something is that old it must be worth a fortune. My oldest coin is from about 250 BC and it's in great condition. It is worth a fortune.
Unique
08-09-2006, 08:17 PM
That's a good idea, alleycat. There is one coming up soon - my neighbor was talking about going.

I'll let him take it.
alleycat
08-09-2006, 08:25 PM
Then soak the thing in Rust-Olean if you still want to clean it.
MidnightMuse
08-09-2006, 09:54 PM
My oldest coin is from about 250 BC and it's in great condition. It is worth a fortune.

Can I have it?
:D
alleycat
08-09-2006, 09:56 PM
Can I have it?
:D
If you can take it from my hand, grasshopper . . . uh, make that toad hopper.
MadScientistMatt
08-13-2006, 05:13 AM
Polish it with steel wool if it's light, thin rust.

Heavy rust, well, you can either use sandpaper, or try dillute hydrochloric acid (you may see it sold as muratic acid).

Be warned, though - it may be pretty much rusted through, in which case chemicals may completely destroy it. Sanding, well, at least you may have a better idea of when to quit.
persiphone_hellecat
08-20-2006, 08:58 AM
Personally I prefer Neverdull - great for polishing and cleaning almost anything metal - but I would have it looked at in existing condition first by experts. PS - I see a good short story in there somewhere! Whose was it? Why was it there? Where's the handle?