Vinegar vs Nuts, Bolts and Washers

[StevenF]

I decided to remove my bumpers so that I can send them out to get re-chromed and take a few dings out of them

The bolts securing the black metal spring were rusty, and so where the inner bolts and nuts holding the bumper guards to the bumper. 

I took a can of Coke and poured it into a cup and placed the bolts, nuts and washers in.  I left it overnight and  then next day they were slightly better.  I proceeded to take home the nuts/bolts and washers and placed them in a small bowl of undiluted vinegar and 2-3 tablespoons of kosher salt.  I let them sit overnight and this morning I couldn't believe my eyes! I took a needle nose plier to hold them while I brushed with an old toothbrush and waalaa! Brand new!  You can even see the original name and number on the bolt!

I am sure that the vinegar and salt thing has been done a million times over the years, but sometimes we all need a reminder of how well the everyday household items work better then the fancy chemicals out there.
Best Regards
Steven

[Shvegel]

The only problem with your approach is the the acid in the vinegar has eaten away the protective plating on the bolts so they will rerust in a hurry.

[StevenF]

There are many spray inhibitors on the market...
https://www.grainger.com/product/WD-40-SPECIALIST-Corrosion-Inhibitor-19L523
https://www.amazon.com/STA-BIL-Heavy-Duty-Corrosion-Inhibitor/dp/B00NEG6I8K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1509313193&sr=8-3&keywords=rust+inhibitor+spray
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SVWJ92E/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3341940462&pd_rd_wg=onejG&pf_rd_r=5HHCJZR1Z6QX5WNNC976&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-bottom-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_i=B00SVWJ92E&pd_rd_w=GYUjX&pf_rd_i=rust+inhibitor+spray&pd_rd_r=b2d086d4-bcf1-11e7-8540-3bbd18ec2d59&ie=UTF8&qid=1509313193&sr=2

[Shvegel]

Corrosion inhibitors work fine.  Since I have seen and been the recipient of people looking down on another’s methods I wanted to be clear that my only intent was to warn you.  I didn’t want to see you strip all your stuff and then have it rust in a few days.  Keep in mind that the original plating is Cadmium which is hugely toxic. Google it.  Using acid to clean your parts means there is a chance you are releasing vapors that can be toxic.  All suitable precsutions should be taken.

[StevenF]

I know you mean well.

[mdsalemi]

Hi Steven,

Long ago and far away, when my bumpers were off being reworked and replated, and my bumper mounts being powder coated, I too had rusty and gnarly looking old bolts and nuts. Since these are essentially benign fasteners in this particular application, strength as it were is not relevant.

Thus, I replaced them all with nearly identical looking stainless steel. Someday, someone might thank me. 

[mBdrvr]

I have used a 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

It works better than the commercial products.

Paul