Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
How to Remove Grime &Grease
Before you can restore a tool or old piece of equipment, clean it thoroughly. This is necessary for handling it confidently. A greasy tool is hard to hold properly. Assess what seems to be the main type of grime.
Apply a general purpose cleaner with a rag or paper towel to remove the first layer of dirt. Use friction to rub the dirt away.
If the general purpose cleaner does not completely clean the item, apply a solvent or degreaser. Use a toothbrush or wire brush to gently remove the grime without marring the surface. Toothpicks can reach into crevices for cleaning. Cotton swabs can swipe clumps of grease and grime from tight spaces which are difficult to reach with a rag. Continue rubbing and removing dirt and grease until the surface is clean.
Rinse the item with clear water to remove chemical residue from cleaning agents and pat dry. Let it air dry thoroughly before storing it.
How to Remove Rust on Small Parts and Tools
You can soak non-electrical tools or parts of a machine to remove rust. Dissolve one cup of citric acid in a gallon of warm water, between 62 to 70 degrees. Do not soak wood handles. The only reason to soak wood parts is if they cannot be detached. Even then, check them frequently for signs of damage due to the acidic solution.
Place the tools or parts in the solution. Soak for 20 minutes.
Use a soft wire brush or toothbrush to scrub the rusty spots. Soak for an additional 20 minutes.
Remove from the solution. Rinse under water. Dry and oil, if needed.
Reassemble, if necessary.
Disassembling a Machine or Electric Tool
It's important to document each phase of disassembly in order to be successful in reassembling. Use a digital camera set on a tabletop tripod to record your progress. Collect zipper plastic bags, permanent market, plastic bins and cardboard boxes in appropriate sizes for the components of the project. These will be used to place the parts as you take them off the machine. Use the marker to label each bag or box.
Unplug the machine. Take off the outer panels and covers. Remember to take pictures of each step you take. If you are working quickly, preset the camera's timer to take a photograph every 30 seconds. Keep removing parts until the machine is totally disassembled.
Sand surfaces with rust and apply a coat of naval jelly. Use a stiff wire brush or electric sander.
Sand paint of surfaces using an electric sander. Soak smaller, detachable parts in paint stripper.
Paint and reassemble the machine using the photographs to help guide you.