The Amazing Evaporust

fredsheldon · Post by **fredsheldon** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 9:04 am

chuckc wrote:So from what i am seeing is that it is great for removiing light rust from way tubes etc:

I recently picked up a complete MK V 510 from a storage unit that has been stred for many years " date code 12-11-04 " with some rust on tubes.

Yep, get a 6' length of 2" pvc pipe and cap off the bottom. Place the tube in the pipe and fill with evaporust. Leave in for 24 hours. Take out and wipe off what's left and hit with fine sandpaper. It will look like new.

letterk · Post by **letterk** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 12:31 pm

chuckc wrote:So from what i am seeing is that it is great for removiing light rust from way tubes etc:

I recently picked up a complete MK V 510 from a storage unit that has been stred for many years " date code 12-11-04 " with some rust on tubes.

Not only light rust, but heavy rust. You may need to leave it sit for a while and keep it covered so it doesn't evaporate. Look at post #5 by Heathics - that is some heavy rust.

Here is the link directly to the post.

Cavediver · Post by **Cavediver** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 1:01 pm

FWIW, beware treating anything with nickle or chrome plating. It works just fine but it will discolor the objects.
I had to de-rust a combination hand plane a while back. Since my container wasn't big enough and the plane had some wood pieces that I couldn't remove, I had to do things in two steps. I was left with a couple of lines where the part was covered during one step and not covered during another. Not a big deal since it's a user plane and not a showpiece, but a stupid and annoying mistake on my part just the same.

ETA: I tend to hit the de-rusted parts with a wire brush or steel wool after treatment to remove the darkened surfaces. Then I rinse and follow with another 10 minute dunk to help prevent future rust. If I really want to prevent rust, I'll follow it up with a dip in a solution of parafin dissolved in mineral spirits.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 2:03 pm

Cavediver wrote:FWIW, beware treating anything with nickle or chrome plating. It works just fine but it will discolor the objects.
I had to de-rust a combination hand plane a while back. Since my container wasn't big enough and the plane had some wood pieces that I couldn't remove, I had to do things in two steps. I was left with a couple of lines where the part was covered during one step and not covered during another. Not a big deal since it's a user plane and not a showpiece, but a stupid and annoying mistake on my part just the same.

ETA: I tend to hit the de-rusted parts with a wire brush or steel wool after treatment to remove the darkened surfaces. Then I rinse and follow with another 10 minute dunk to help prevent future rust. If I really want to prevent rust, I'll follow it up with a dip in a solution of parafin dissolved in mineral spirits.

I would not count on evaporust being a rust inhibitor for longer than a couple of weeks. Penetrol is more effective. When 'in use' applying/polishing paste wax(JPW) frequently serves us well.

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 2:17 pm

letterk wrote:Not only light rust, but heavy rust. You may need to leave it sit for a while and keep it covered so it doesn't evaporate. Look at post #5 by Heathics - that is some heavy rust.

Here is the link directly to the post.

If I recall correctly, that took about 3 days of soaking. And I think I used a fresh batch of Evaporust about half way through, but knowing what I know now I don't think that was necessary (other than for speeding up the process).

I just wish I could afford a vat of Evaporust like this:

frank81 · Post by **frank81** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 3:02 pm

I checked the big box stores in my area this weekend, none carry evaporust. It looks like they are getting elbowed out by multi-line companies selling rust removal products I didn't care to try.

Anyone know the active ingredient? They made the thing so safe and neutral the MSDS isn't required to report much of anything. The chemical properties basically look like rain water.

If I can't find a decent alternative by the weekend I'm just going back to my tried and true method of standing in the driveway with a wire wheel on a drill and getting filthy.

Cavediver · Post by **Cavediver** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 3:35 pm

frank81 wrote:I checked the big box stores in my area this weekend, none carry evaporust. It looks like they are getting elbowed out by multi-line companies selling rust removal products I didn't care to try.

Anyone know the active ingredient? They made the thing so safe and neutral the MSDS isn't required to report much of anything. The chemical properties basically look like rain water.

If I can't find a decent alternative by the weekend I'm just going back to my tried and true method of standing in the driveway with a wire wheel on a drill and getting filthy.

Have you tried Harbor Freight or Ace Hardware? I know HF carries it, not sure about Ace.

I've read that citric acid works pretty well. It's available in powdered form from health food stores and (I believe) wine making stores.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 4:45 pm

Harbor Freight and AutoZone.
I just got the last qt at Lowe's in Lexington - 1.80.

Online price now 1.12. None close by!

AIUI it is being closed out at Lowes.

AutoZone qt 8.99 Gal 22.99

letterk · Post by **letterk** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 5:39 pm

frank81 wrote:I checked the big box stores in my area this weekend, none carry evaporust. It looks like they are getting elbowed out by multi-line companies selling rust removal products I didn't care to try.

Anyone know the active ingredient? They made the thing so safe and neutral the MSDS isn't required to report much of anything. The chemical properties basically look like rain water.

If I can't find a decent alternative by the weekend I'm just going back to my tried and true method of standing in the driveway with a wire wheel on a drill and getting filthy.

Menards in your neck of the woods carries a knock off call Metal Rescue, but probably not worth the round trip drive of 2 hours, but if you are in the area. Try local auto parts and hardware stores.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Mar 05, 2013 6:11 pm

heathicus wrote:If I recall correctly, that took about 3 days of soaking. And I think I used a fresh batch of Evaporust about half way through, but knowing what I know now I don't think that was necessary (other than for speeding up the process).

I just wish I could afford a vat of Evaporust like this:

If you could afford the vehicle that this engine block came out of, you'd be able to afford the evapo-rust.

I think that is an engine block from an Abrams Tank.