Rust on Guns

[Hersel]

I recently inherited my dad"s guns which had been setting in a closet for 15-20 years. They all have a slight amount of rust. What can I do to take it off and keep it off?

Thanks

 

[old]

I use tranny fluid on my guns. Works well to take off rust and keeps it off. Ya I know I should write down all the things I use ATF for and yes I use it a lot on a lot of stuff
Hobby farm

 

[dlplost]

Steel wool, like brillo pad with oil. It'll take the light rust off without hurting the finish.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have read recomendations to use oil and fine steel wool but I would be leary of the steel wool on valuable guns. You might try bronze wool. It's softer than steel but it will remove light rust. I would try it on an inconspicous place first. It is available at some marinas.

 

[Bobby/TX]

A lite oil & 3 or 4 0000 steel wool.

 

[Stan in Oly, WA]

Hi old,

You might be interested in a homemade gun cleaner and preservative called Ed's Red. I think it contains tranny fluid that gives it its red color. It also has turpentine or some other non-mineral spirits solvent (which is probably mostly BS to make it seem more exotic) and something else, I think. I'll bet you can find it with Google.

All the best, Stan

 

[Bill-KCKs]

Use RIG grease for long-term storage. I tend to wipe everything down with Birchwood Casey's Sheath. It smells. To remove light surface rust, soak 0000 steel wool with Sheath. BUT, it looks like Sheath may have turned into Barricade. I've never used Barricade. Sheath was good stuff.
Birchwood Casey

 

[RayP(MI)]

After you steel wool the rust off, you can remove the residual oil from the metal with an appropriate solvent. Then use a liquid bluing agent , scrub it on with steel wool, until you get the desired color. Wash it off thoroughly, and recoat with a lasting oil product. Not a real difficult process.

 

[Anonymous-0]

To remove rust I use a Frontier Metal Cleaner pad from www.Big45MetalCleaner.com costs about $5 shipped,lasts forever and won't harm blued surfaces.I use it with WD-40.To prevent rust I use Howard Feed-N-Wax on the external metal and the wood.A scant amount of Rem Oil protects the internal parts.I live in humid Alabama and store the guns in a unheated basement and keep a couple in the truck.No rust ever,no oily film to hold dirt.I get the Howard at local hardware stores and antique shops here,you may have to google them.These products work well for me.Good luck with your project!

 

[Slowpoke]

I've been using a Scotch Bright soap pad at the kitchen sink for several months. It's plastic, no rust and doesn't scratch like the two sided sponge/plastic scraper pad. Looks like 000 steel wool. I'd find the value of the guns before I do any cleaning with anything other than a cloth.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I would never consider either scotchbrite or steel wool for a gun, unless it were in horrible condition. Light surface patina can largely be removed with EEZOX synthetic gun lubricant. Best stuff I have ever used. Wet a soft cloth with it and wipe the gun down, much of the patina will come off, leaving the cloth rust colored. Wipe the gun with a abundant coat of this and leave it. Good protection.

If you don't believe me, read this guys own test of various gun lubricants.

http://www.thegunzone.com/rust.html

Charles
eezox web site

 

[Anonymous-0]

Eds Red cleaner has no turp in it,Does have acetone 25 % it will hurt stock finishes.Hard floor wax will keep metal rust free.I have a 58 year old table saw that is rust free,have kept it waxed.Acetone is hard on your hands.

 

[Anonymous-0]

"old", what are some of the uses for tranny fluid?

 

[Davis In SC]

Yes, never use any abrasive, indescriminately on a gun or any other antique or collectible. As a sideline, I buy and sell some antiques and collectibles. All I will do to any item is brush/wash off any loose dirt, and use a preservative, if applicable. Let the buyer decide how far to restore, I just try to stop the item from deteriorating any further.

 

[Anonymous-0]

SEA FOAM, their basic product is also a gun cleaner, read the label