CLR to remove surface rust? Anybody else have success with it? Like the results?
04-02-10, 07:20 PM
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CLR to remove surface rust? Anybody else have success with it? Like the results?
Trying to avoid using Brillo pads to clean up the chrome on some older bikes I am puttering around with. I used a toothbrush to scrub the seat posts and handlebars with CLR, which a buddy of mine recommended. Looking good at this point. Anybody else use CLR? I know Oxylic Acid is popular around here, but I don't have a big enough tub to throw the parts into.
04-02-10, 07:33 PM
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Yes, I've used it but more of the gel kind from WalMart called 'Lime Out'. I had frame with rust stains on it from various cable guides and stops. I folded a paper towel into 2-3" wide strips, soaked the paper towels with the Lime Out and wrapped them around the frame. It took some time but it did work. If you do use it on a painted surface I'd highly recommend testing an area to make sure it doesnt bleach out the color. Fortunatley I was doing this on white bike so it only made the white whiter!!
04-02-10, 08:00 PM
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The main active ingredient in CLR is 8% to 12% Lactic Acid. So don't use it if your goal is to avoid handling hazardous chemicals. Like most of the household cleaners, it also contains other chemicals (propylene glycol n-Butyl ether (1-2%) and Lauryldimethyl Hydroxysultaine (2-5%)) which may or may not be helpful in treating painted parts. I would heed Jim's advice above.
But if you are using it because it comes in a pretty handy ready to use package, that makes a lot of sense and is probably worth a try.
As far as a tub for oxalic, I often use a small kitchen trash can to do forks. I have recently switched to an even smaller plastic bin to conserve on supplies. I need to take a picture of it, as I have a fork, a headset, and several steel brake parts in it right now. I only do a kiddie pool sized bath a couple of times a year.
Lime out is kind of interesting, its a mix of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and an unnamed surfactant (soap).
But if you are using it because it comes in a pretty handy ready to use package, that makes a lot of sense and is probably worth a try.
As far as a tub for oxalic, I often use a small kitchen trash can to do forks. I have recently switched to an even smaller plastic bin to conserve on supplies. I need to take a picture of it, as I have a fork, a headset, and several steel brake parts in it right now. I only do a kiddie pool sized bath a couple of times a year.
Lime out is kind of interesting, its a mix of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and an unnamed surfactant (soap).
Last edited by wrk101; 04-02-10 at 08:11 PM.
04-03-10, 03:44 PM
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The main active ingredient in CLR is 8% to 12% Lactic Acid. So don't use it if your goal is to avoid handling hazardous chemicals. Like most of the household cleaners, it also contains other chemicals (propylene glycol n-Butyl ether (1-2%) and Lauryldimethyl Hydroxysultaine (2-5%)) which may or may not be helpful in treating painted parts. I would heed Jim's advice above.
But if you are using it because it comes in a pretty handy ready to use package, that makes a lot of sense and is probably worth a try.
As far as a tub for oxalic, I often use a small kitchen trash can to do forks. I have recently switched to an even smaller plastic bin to conserve on supplies. I need to take a picture of it, as I have a fork, a headset, and several steel brake parts in it right now. I only do a kiddie pool sized bath a couple of times a year.
Lime out is kind of interesting, its a mix of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and an unnamed surfactant (soap).
But if you are using it because it comes in a pretty handy ready to use package, that makes a lot of sense and is probably worth a try.
As far as a tub for oxalic, I often use a small kitchen trash can to do forks. I have recently switched to an even smaller plastic bin to conserve on supplies. I need to take a picture of it, as I have a fork, a headset, and several steel brake parts in it right now. I only do a kiddie pool sized bath a couple of times a year.
Lime out is kind of interesting, its a mix of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and an unnamed surfactant (soap).
Thanks for posting the informative response. Rust on these old bikes is a big hurdle, and one to clear with as little damage as possible.
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