derusting tools, sharpening and recoating them?

[xpress]

hi there.

i have been sorting out some old tools and i found a few rather fetching metal chisels, however they're quite rusty and i would like to derust them

what can i soak them in? would ordinary full strength malt vinegar work well, or white vinegar?

what do you use?

also, when refinishing tools to protect them from rust what do you recommend?

and to sharpen metalwork chisels what do you use, a diamond cutting stone? what other things could i use that's on the market? what's the best technique for sharpening them?

spanners are normally chrome finished or shot blasted but what else could i coat derusted spanners with?

any ideas would be gratefully recieved.

[MarkyB]

I use 3in1 spray on oil which will remove some rust and protect from further rusting.
An oil stone to sharpen chisels, I expect you can find out how to use it on line.
Any spanners that aren't chrome vanadium wont be worth keeping and will never be the same again once they've rusted.

[chickenjohn]

Soak the tools overnight in 5% citric acid in water (citric acid is cheap from ebay)-

then dry and paint the tools / coat in light oil etc.

[moray]

I second the citric acid suggestion, it works wonders. It's also great for removing rust from chrome parts without damaging the chrome.

if you don't have oilstones to sharpen them with, try googling the "scary sharp method"

Once you cleaned them up use camilia oil to prevent the rust from returning, just wipe it on with a rag.

[chickenjohn]

*****WARNING SCIENCE NERD ALERT below************

Yes, citric acid is the natural acid found in fruit, among other things and is non toxic and breaks down in the environment. It is a strong enough acid that can dissolve iron oxide (rust) and yet does not dissolve the base steel (if left overnight).

It can sting a bit though if you have a cut finger!

[katy]

Soaking in 10% molasses/water also works well.

[MarkyB]

Just an addendum, never use an oil stone without oil, and wipe it off when done.
Use the whole surface of the stone too, so it stays flat.
There was something about the type of oil but that's gone now.

Good grief, it must have been 40 years ago I was told these things.

[les]

If by Metal chisels you mean cold chisels, dont bother with an oilstone (you don't want razor sharp) use a grinding wheel, but wear goggles! Also if the hitting end is burred over, remove this on the grinder.