What’s the secret of keeping steel in good condition? A reasonable maintenance program.
When steel oxidizes, the result is rust, which can be removed year after year, without causing appreciable damage to the structural value of the steel.
A rust-removing chemical such as Naval Jelly works wonders on thinner layers of rust, but massive layers of rust should be scraped, wire-brushed, sanded, wire-wheeled or rubbed with steel wool. Then, Naval Jelly should be used.
Naval Jelly is nothing more than phosphoric acid usually found in a gelatinous form, but also is available in spray form.
Don’t get it on your skin or in your eyes. Heed the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
The cleaned surface can then be washed with a paste of baking soda and rinsed with water.
Quick thorough drying is a must. Raw, wet steel will begin to rust in minutes. Finally, don’t rely on penetrating oil. It will break down a certain amount of rust, but it is not considered a good rust remover.
For tips from James and Morris Carey, go to www.onthehouse.com or call the listener hot line, 800-737-2474, ext. 59. They are also on KRKO (1380-AM) from 6 to 10 a.m. every Saturday.
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