Removing Rust from Die Set

[renroh]

A friend gave me two sets of older RCBS carbide three die sets. They were inherited and the box they were in was mistakenly left outside in the rain. They were then given to my buddy and he passed them on to me. They have some light surface rust on the threads, but not inside the dies. I have been given advice on how best to remove the rust, but with several options out there, any good ideas from my friends here?
Thanks, renroh

 

[kscardsfan]

I'd grab the 3 in 1 bottle and a bronze brush and start scrubbing. I would normally be tempted to use steel wool, but I imagine gettting all those fibers, strands, etc off of threads and off of a precision instrument like a die would be tough, so I would stick to brushes for now.

 

[Smith357]

On the outside threads I would not worry too much about it, but if i were inclined to remove it I would use the wire wheel on a bench grinder to make quick work of it then a good cleaning and grease. Rust on the inside and they are pretty much scrap metal.

 

[DUNTOV]

A friend gave me two sets of older RCBS carbide three die sets. They were inherited and the box they were in was mistakenly left outside in the rain. They were then given to my buddy and he passed them on to me. They have some light surface rust on the threads, but not inside the dies. I have been given advice on how best to remove the rust, but with several options out there, any good ideas from my friends here?
Thanks, renroh

I have had good results soaking rusty items in vinigar

 

[n4zov]

I have used a Dremel tool with the wire steel brushes to clean up dies, and they do a good job. If you use the Dremel with brushes be sure to wear eye protection and follow manufacturers instructions on tool speeds.

 

[flat top]

Navel Jelly does a good job of removing rust. A good soaking in Kroil, or a penetrating oil should also get the job done.

 

[kscardsfan]

Forgot all about naval jelly. Just don't let that stuff touch anything you want to keep the finish on (i.e. don't handle any of your guns if you've been using naval jelly)

 

[TAROMAN]

Soak in white vinegar, then brush well using Kroil or similar. Protect with Boeshield

 

[mistergizmo]

+1 for Smith357. I've "renewed" a dozen or more sets of rusty pistol and rifle dies with a 5-inch wire brush wheel on my double-ended grinder. Wear leather gloves, good glasses and use caution.

Disassemble the dies and brush down the internals, too.

As far as the internal surfaces, I chuck a stainless brush into the drill press and run the die bodies up and down.

 

[TAROMAN]

For the insides, try metal polish like Flitz or similar on a 20-gauge shotgun bore mop chucked in a drill and run inside. really slicks them up. I do this on new sizing dies, too.

 

[wiley]

After you brush them down, you could pop them into a brass cleaner (vibrating) for a day or 2.

 

[il Padrino]

I have a set that I cleaned up pretty good with a bronze brush, but show some slight discoloration where they were rusted, I'm considering giving them a blue finish, cleaning them up and applying a dose of cold blue on the outside. Any thoughts if that is or is not a good idea?

 

[TAROMAN]

Hmmm. Brownell has the Oxpho(?) Blue that's well regarded. Electroless nickel might be nicer, if one could find s SMALL kit.

 

[renroh]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Since my last post work and honey do's have dominated my time. I'll try to get them clean with the brush first and see what I have. Many thanks.

 

[bobelk99]

1 Spray with Kroil if you can borrow some (average household doesn't have or usually need Kroil) and let soak for hour or two

2 Take off die ring. Use 0000 steel wool and lubricant (3-in-1 works fine) and scrub off bad stuff.

3 Clean die off all residue and put ring back on.

4 Admire your fine handiwork.