How To Remove Rust/Stains From Stainless Steel

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pete44ru

Hunter
Joined
Dec 6, 2004
Messages
2,176
Location
Rhode Island
.

(Yes, stainless actually CAN rust)

I read a tip on removing rust stains from stainless knives, tried it, and it worked.

Here's what to do:

* Place the stainless item (gun, knife, whatever) so the area with the rust has the stain was facing up, and supported to keep it level.

* Put a couple drops of white vinegar on the rust/stain, and let it sit for 5 minutes.

* Scrub the area with a new pad of 0000 steel wool to remove the stain.

* Clean the area with a cotton patch and some CLP, and you should be GTG.


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woodsy

Blackhawk
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Jan 5, 2012
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958
Location
Seymour, CT
It would be MUCH better to use bronze wool instead, because steel wool will leave an invisible amount of elemental iron on the surface, which will actually encourage more rust later on. That's why SS is usually "passivated" after manufacture to remove any iron molecules from the surface.
I used to make/invent SS surgical instruments, so I know about this, intimately.
 

Enigma

Hunter
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Apr 17, 2002
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Houston metro area, TX
woodsy said:
It would be MUCH better to use bronze wool instead, because steel wool will leave an invisible amount of elemental iron on the surface, which will actually encourage more rust later on. That's why SS is usually "passivated" after manufacture to remove any iron molecules from the surface.
I used to make/invent SS surgical instruments, so I know about this, intimately.

Which brings up a question: why don't 'they' make stainless steel wool? Or do they, and we just never see it?

ETA: Never mind, I see now that it is, indeed made, and available form many sources including Amazon and Hone Depot.
 

Weimguy

Bearcat
Joined
Mar 4, 2018
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49
Location
Goodyear, AZ
They do.
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=0000+grade+steel+wool&index=aps&tag=hydsma-20&ref=pd_sl_5sjmarjyfv_b&adgrpid=58799240791&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=274749774841&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9185487018369532709&hvqmt=b&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030126&hvtargid=kwd-298206636478
 

Pete

Single-Sixer
Joined
Nov 23, 2001
Messages
159
Location
B'ham,AL USA
Please listen to what woodsy says! Stainless steels must be passivated with either nitric or citric acid.If you are going to remove the oxide coating or pitting on stainless it is best to use a pad that is not steel and then apply a little citric acid on the area to keep down further oxidation.
 

langenc

Single-Sixer
Joined
Aug 22, 2007
Messages
471
Location
Lewiston, MI USA
No steel wool. Save that for stock finishing--yuk..

For barrels iron or SS use a nice old 100% cotton t shirt and some polish.
 

Hondo44

Hawkeye
Joined
Apr 3, 2009
Messages
8,041
Location
People's Republik of California
Some stainless Rugers have been delivered not fully passivated. Rust just appears and reappears after cleaning those spots. Soaking the gun overnite in a baking soda and water solution will usually cure it. Agitation helps so you can set the pan on top of your case polisher and turn it on.
 

woodsy

Blackhawk
Joined
Jan 5, 2012
Messages
958
Location
Seymour, CT
Baking soda has absolutely no effect on SS whatsoever. Nitric acid (NOT citric) is used to passivate SS. The baking soda would be used AFTER the nitric, to neutralize the acid, nothing more.
 

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