I have been moving around much too much these last 5 years and not devoting nearly enough time to the hobby. I am currently building the old Tamiya Pz IV D OOB to get some of my skills back. I reach out for my prized Waldron punches - I have the regular and sub-miniature - to add some bolts and what do I find when I open the little boxes?? THEY HAVE COMPLETELY RUSTED!!! Aaaaaaaaaaaah!!!
Is there anything I can do?? I must be able to “bathe” them in something that will remove the rust without damaging the tools themselves, no?
I can’t understand how this could have happened. My tools have NEVER been stored in a damp environment. They have never been in the basement or any other kind of storage area. They have always been where I am.
Any help or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.
Residue from fingers can and will rust metal, even if chromed. Learned that the hard way with my MA weapons when I didn’t take good care of them.
Before you move clean your tools WELL and oil them(preferably in a preservation oil).
Not all is lost but it will take some elbow grease. Not having seen pics I would assume you are dealing with surface rust, that can be removed with brasso & fine-steel wool, etc.
Also get a water-based metal polish/cleaner for finishing up.
If it is surface rust it will show up as small spots and hair-crack style lines, seen it often as I had to buy 2nd-hand spares for my 30yrs old Bikes.
Not so good. I would say you are best to dump the whole lot into something like WD-40 or penetration oil of some sort, leave for a day or two & then clean properly - but not with anything too abrasive if you can help it.