Steel wool
01-18-09 | 02:25 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 2
From: Down South
Steel wool
I'm rebuilding a Robin Hood, of uncertain vintage but at least 30 years old.
It hasn't been abused, and it was keep in a garage or a shed out back. Over the years, though, the chrome bits (and everything on this bike is steel -- not a piece of aluminum) had picked up dots of rust, a lot of them -- handlebars, stem, wheels, cranks, anything and everything, some better, some worse, than others.
I was trying to polish it up when my wife walked by and said, "You know, me and my Dad always used steel wool."
I happened to have some 0000 steel wool (the fine stuff) in my shop, so I went at it with a fistful.
Amazing what steel wool can do!
A lot of rust just disappeared. I'm not saying the metal looks like new, but it does shine, and it is not covered with rust.
If you look closely, you can clearly see where the rust was -- little pits and bumps. But, man, what a difference!
It hasn't been abused, and it was keep in a garage or a shed out back. Over the years, though, the chrome bits (and everything on this bike is steel -- not a piece of aluminum) had picked up dots of rust, a lot of them -- handlebars, stem, wheels, cranks, anything and everything, some better, some worse, than others.
I was trying to polish it up when my wife walked by and said, "You know, me and my Dad always used steel wool."
I happened to have some 0000 steel wool (the fine stuff) in my shop, so I went at it with a fistful.
Amazing what steel wool can do!
A lot of rust just disappeared. I'm not saying the metal looks like new, but it does shine, and it is not covered with rust.
If you look closely, you can clearly see where the rust was -- little pits and bumps. But, man, what a difference!
01-18-09 | 02:35 PM
#2
Old fart
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 26,327
Likes: 5,238
From: Appleton WI
Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.
I'm rebuilding a Robin Hood, of uncertain vintage but at least 30 years old.
It hasn't been abused, and it was keep in a garage or a shed out back. Over the years, though, the chrome bits (and everything on this bike is steel -- not a piece of aluminum) had picked up dots of rust, a lot of them -- handlebars, stem, wheels, cranks, anything and everything, some better, some worse, than others.
I was trying to polish it up when my wife walked by and said, "You know, me and my Dad always used steel wool."
I happened to have some 0000 steel wool (the fine stuff) in my shop, so I went at it with a fistful.
Amazing what steel wool can do!
A lot of rust just disappeared. I'm not saying the metal looks like new, but it does shine, and it is not covered with rust.
If you look closely, you can clearly see where the rust was -- little pits and bumps. But, man, what a difference!
It hasn't been abused, and it was keep in a garage or a shed out back. Over the years, though, the chrome bits (and everything on this bike is steel -- not a piece of aluminum) had picked up dots of rust, a lot of them -- handlebars, stem, wheels, cranks, anything and everything, some better, some worse, than others.
I was trying to polish it up when my wife walked by and said, "You know, me and my Dad always used steel wool."
I happened to have some 0000 steel wool (the fine stuff) in my shop, so I went at it with a fistful.
Amazing what steel wool can do!
A lot of rust just disappeared. I'm not saying the metal looks like new, but it does shine, and it is not covered with rust.
If you look closely, you can clearly see where the rust was -- little pits and bumps. But, man, what a difference!
01-18-09 | 02:55 PM
#3
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,642
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
A lot of the chrome is now gone as well. Amazing the damage steel wool can do.
01-18-09 | 03:07 PM
#5
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
I use brass/bronze wool and light oil to get the chrome cleaned up. Paint I use heavy oil wiped on and wiped off later.
Aaron
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
01-18-09 | 03:32 PM
#7
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
01-18-09 | 04:20 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
From: TORONTO , ONT , CA
Bikes: '86 AMBROSI / C RECORD. PINARELLO MONTELLO / FRAME, FORK.
"It hasn't been abused, and it was keep in a garage or a shed out back." QUOTE.
For one thing, the first sentence . . .
Secondly, checkout the archives re "Rust Removal", as well as
"Cleaning Chrome"; you may be suprised as to what has been done,
. . . maybe not.
Regards,
J T
For one thing, the first sentence . . .
Secondly, checkout the archives re "Rust Removal", as well as
"Cleaning Chrome"; you may be suprised as to what has been done,
. . . maybe not.
Regards,
J T
01-18-09 | 04:27 PM
#9
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
"It hasn't been abused, and it was keep in a garage or a shed out back." QUOTE.
For one thing, the first sentence . . .
Secondly, checkout the archives re "Rust Removal", as well as
"Cleaning Chrome"; you may be suprised as to what has been done,
. . . maybe not.
Regards,
J T
For one thing, the first sentence . . .
Secondly, checkout the archives re "Rust Removal", as well as
"Cleaning Chrome"; you may be suprised as to what has been done,
. . . maybe not.
Regards,
J T
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
01-18-09 | 04:55 PM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
From: TORONTO , ONT , CA
Bikes: '86 AMBROSI / C RECORD. PINARELLO MONTELLO / FRAME, FORK.
"Bikes kept in sheds and garages around here rust." QUOTE.
Yes, they do rust whilst in a damp garage: it's called . . .
ABUSE!
Regards,
J T
Yes, they do rust whilst in a damp garage: it's called . . .
ABUSE!
Regards,
J T
01-18-09 | 05:00 PM
#11
Rumblefish
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 687
Likes: 0
From: Austin Texas
Bikes: 1973 Crescent Pepita Single Speed,1978 Raleigh Competition G.S.,1976 Raleigh Super Course MKII,1970's Motobecane Super Touring Fixed Gear, 1980's Denti Road Tech Five,Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo,1973 Atala Giro,Cheap MTB Tandem,Schwinn World Sport
Lighten up dude.
01-18-09 | 05:03 PM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,918
Likes: 319
From: New York Metro Area
I use plain steel wool when I refinish furniture. How about a really wet Brillo pad...a kinder, gentler type of steel wool...when cleaning up bike parts. The soap from the Brillo pad seems to make it a little less harsh....IMHO Then rinse the parts off and put car wax on them. Not for every situation maybe, but good for some.
01-18-09 | 05:15 PM
#13
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,642
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Oxalic acid is your answer. Remove chemically, rather than removing metal with the rust. I ruined a nice (but rusty) chrome fork that way.
All the chrome on my $16 thrift store Lotus was revived with oxalic.
All the chrome on my $16 thrift store Lotus was revived with oxalic.
Last edited by wrk101; 01-18-09 at 05:47 PM. Reason: clarification
01-18-09 | 05:16 PM
#14
01-18-09 | 06:12 PM
#17
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,642
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
01-18-09 | 07:12 PM
#18
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 2
From: Down South
So, to be clear ... keeping a bike in your garage ... is bike-abuse.
That means ... what? People keep their bikes in the house ... in a humidor ... in the climate-controlled vault in the basement?
All that aside, what is oxalic acid?
And the chrome bits look pretty good now -- much better than before.
That means ... what? People keep their bikes in the house ... in a humidor ... in the climate-controlled vault in the basement?
All that aside, what is oxalic acid?
And the chrome bits look pretty good now -- much better than before.
01-18-09 | 07:20 PM
#19
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
Aaron
__________________
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
01-18-09 | 07:37 PM
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,918
Likes: 319
From: New York Metro Area
When I left for college as a youth, I put my bike on my bed in my room and covered it over with my blanket. My father, a hardened WWII vet who grew up during the depression, looked at me like I was putting on women's clothes and a Dolly Parton wig. I rode every day, even when it rained. We had a real bad storm once, and I took my bike out in it. He thought that was pretty cool. To each his own.
01-18-09 | 07:43 PM
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,918
Likes: 319
From: New York Metro Area
Nice catch. Shows what a well trained eye is capable of seeing beyond. Also, not cleaning up a bike for resale will help keep your wallet lighter.
01-18-09 | 08:00 PM
#23
If you do use the steel (or similar) wool, use WD-40 with it.
01-18-09 | 08:25 PM
#24
Banned.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,199
Likes: 1,462
I've not damaged any chrome I know of with 00000 (5) steel wool and Blue Magic or WD-40. Then I move to a towel and Blue Magic. Then I move to a t-shirt and Blue Magic. Then it generally looks new. If I have to "pre-treat," it's with Wal-Mart's rust remover for $4.34 a bottle.
I think the worst thing about cleaning chrome is being in a hurry.
I think the worst thing about cleaning chrome is being in a hurry.
01-18-09 | 08:27 PM
#25
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,258
Likes: 14
I had a long, detailed response to this thread, but my mouse slipped off the desk and the post was erased.
Suffice it to say, this is a Robin Hood and I seriously doubt the 'handlebars, stem, wheels, cranks' were chrome plated.
Steel wool is fine.
Lighten up.
This bike was a $5, abused in the AZ sun for 20 years, left outside, rusting hulk special. Steel wool and rubbing compound made it an attractive, sellable, bike.
Steel wool wouldn't hurt anything on a Robin Hood!
Suffice it to say, this is a Robin Hood and I seriously doubt the 'handlebars, stem, wheels, cranks' were chrome plated.
Steel wool is fine.
Lighten up.
This bike was a $5, abused in the AZ sun for 20 years, left outside, rusting hulk special. Steel wool and rubbing compound made it an attractive, sellable, bike.
Steel wool wouldn't hurt anything on a Robin Hood!