What should I use to clean rust off of beamspring stems?

codemonkeymike · 27 Dec 2016, 15:49

I have an IBM beamspring as my pet project ongoing and I am wondering what would be the best way to remove the rust from the metal stem piece? Also is there a recommended way of separating the metal stem piece from the plastic slider?

Wodan · 27 Dec 2016, 15:52

1) vinegar
2) just pull straight

andrewjoy · 27 Dec 2016, 19:07

vinegar or oxalic acid

hypkx · 27 Dec 2016, 19:08

I used these stuff:

Spoiler:

codemonkeymike · 27 Dec 2016, 19:18

I can only make out one of the products is that says "Silicon Spray". Also on the topic of pulling the stem from the slider did you guys use 2 pliers or use one plier on the metal and pull while the slider was in the housing?

Chyros · 27 Dec 2016, 20:08

10 V% H3PO4 in water.

alh84001 · 27 Dec 2016, 21:15

Chyros wrote: 10 V% H3PO4 in water.

This. Most of the products marketed as de-rusters are just that. They don't actually remove the rust, they passivise it instead.

Chyros · 27 Dec 2016, 22:11

alh84001 wrote:
Chyros wrote: 10 V% H3PO4 in water.
This. Most of the products marketed as de-rusters are just that. They don't actually remove the rust, they passivise it instead.

I know, that's why I made it like that ^^ . Very easy to do and very cheap. However, it removes rust as well. I used this to remove the enormous amounts of rust off the (quite thin) springs off my Amstrads, worked a treat, and they won't rust again either.

snuci · 28 Dec 2016, 01:08

A wire brush is the best (the ones that are the size of a tooth brush). We have a product called CLR that removes rust but it just neutralizes it. If a brass wore brush can't do it, a fine grit sandpaper will finish them off nicely.

2ZQ · 29 Dec 2016, 12:02

Hi there. Saw your post and thought I might be of help.
When I was in the states, I used a product called Naval Jelly. Generally slather it on, or soak the part, and let it sot for 20-30 mins. After which I would use a steel wool pad to remove jelly and rust, wrinse after. Found this product at most hardware stores/home centers.
Hope it can help.

XMIT · 29 Dec 2016, 13:51

Naval Jelly is the same thing as what Chyros recommended: phosphoric acid. I've used it to clean cast iron pans before.

For heavy things like pans I often prefer to sand blast first.