Removing rust from hard to reach corners

[Svet]

Hi guys, do you know of any good methods to remove rust from steel?
Yes, I know about rust removers. They all require the use of a wire brush and that's exactly what I am trying to avoid.

I need a chemical or something that would take the rust off the steel surface without the need of any mechanical actions. And I need the rust removed, not transformed into another form of better looking... rust.

I've heard that gunsmiths use such solutions to remove the rust from the inside of barrels and other hard to reach places.

Most probably I don't have access to USA made stuff and product brands, so any recipes for a DIY rust remover are highly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Jim K]

Regular rust and blue remover has always worked for me, but then I have always used a brush in tight corners to clean things up. An alternative might be a mild acid; oxalic acid is one that is commonly used for removing rust. Naval jelly also works well.

But there are other issues. Any substance that removes rust will also remove bluing, as bluing is nothing but fine rust. Plus, nothing will restore the metal that the rust has already eaten away, so rust removal can still leave pitting.

One of the best ways of stopping rust is boiling water, which kills rust, though it does not remove it.

If you do have to use a brush, use a steel one. Most people are afraid of harming the bluing or the surface, so they use copper or brass but in fact those brushes just won't do the job.

If you can provide a better idea of where the rust is and what it is on, we might be able to help more.

Jim

 

[lamazza]

I use Gibbs in a spray can. I would think any rust remover would work under pressure

 

[Plink]

I've used Brownells Steelwhite with good success. Midway may have something similar and they have sites for ordering all over the world. I wish I had a home formula to offer, but I don't.

 

[Oldnamvet]

Electrolysis removal of rust

http://www.shopfloortalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1695

I use the above method for my tools and old saws. No reason it would not work for any firearm component. Just be careful that you don't overdo it and start removing steel.