How to Remove Rust Electrically

Set a plastic container on a flat surface. Stand two pieces of iron upright in the plastic container. Move the pieces so they do not touch and are on opposite sides of the container.

Connect a cable to both iron electrodes by sliding each alligator clamp end of the cable over the highest point of each iron electrode. Connect one end of a second cable to one of the iron electrodes. Let the free end of the cable sit outside of the plastic container.

Hook one alligator clamp from a third cable to one end of a stainless steel utensil. Lower the utensil in the plastic container, keeping the utensil from contacting either iron electrode. Place one tablespoon of baking soda (for each gallon of water) in the bottom of the plastic container. Fill the container with water until the fluid level sits three to four inches below the top edge of the iron electrodes.

Connect the loose alligator clamp coming from the iron electrode cable to the negative terminal of a battery charger. Connect the loose alligator clamp coming from the stainless steel utensil cable to the positive terminal of the battery charger.

Set the rusted object in the baking soda and water solution. Turn on the battery charger to start electrolysis. Allow the object to sit in the solution until the rust on the tool turns dark gray to black in color. Turn off the battery charger. Remove the object from the electrolyte solution.

Wash the object in soapy water while scrubbing it vigorously with a stainless steel brush to remove the converted rust from the object.