How to remove rust or paint from lots of pieces of small hardware

[theholycow]

This is not an energy-saving idea, but it could save money, effort, and/or time.

I had a bunch of screwdriver bits that were rusty. This would also work on other small tools (allen wrenches, for example) or other small hardware -- nails/screws/nuts/bolts/etc.

Anyway, here's what you need:

- Drill

- Cup-style mounted wire brush


- Heavy-duty plastic cup, a little bit wider than the wire brush


It should be pretty obvious to you by now, but if it's not...put the rusty stuff in the cup, mount the wire brush in the drill, stick the mounted wire brush in the cup, and pull the trigger. Do it just like mixing a milkshake. As it's running, reciprocate it in and out so the rusty items migrate above and below the wire brush.

After a couple minutes, they're mosly perfect. All that's left is rust that was in small spots, like the points of Torx and Philips bits. That will have to be removed by holding the bits individually in a Vise-Grip to use with the wire brush (or, if so equipped, a wire brush on a bench grinder).

Another option I thought of is a rock tumbler, but I don't have one. It may be pretty easy to make one from random junk around the house...but it would probably take a lot longer.