Rust

[Kathy Smith]

Hi,

I have a folding bike and I folded it yesterday and noticed rust on the metal rod that's inside (part of the folding mechanism), what do you guys recommend to get rid of it?

 

[indianajo]

60-80 grit sandpaper, followed by 400 fine steel wool. then phosphoric acid compound to prevent reoccurance(ospho). Then coat of non-detergent oil or grease, if it can't be painted.

 

[Kathy Smith]

60-80 grit sandpaper, followed by 400 fine steel wool. then phosphoric acid compound to prevent reoccurance(ospho). Then coat of non-detergent oil or grease, if it can't be painted.

Thanks, I ordered this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00631GQGW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
will it work?

 

[indianajo]

No, that is for getting rusty nuts off rusty bolts. You have surface rust, correct?

 

[Kathy Smith]

No, that is for getting rusty nuts off rusty bolts. You have surface rust, correct?

yes.
Here are 2 photos showing the problem.

 

[Sierratim]

yes.
Here are 2 photos showing the problem.
View attachment 53439View attachment 53440

Looks like the original chrome plating on this part has failed after getting wet one too many times. Can the part be removed? If so, I'd use a wire wheel on a grinder or Dremel tool to remove the rust and the remaining plating then paint the piece with metal primer and a high quality paint.

If not, you run the risk of damaging the frame's finish with almost any chemicals. I'd start with a Dremel tool and be very careful around the frame's finish.

 

[Kathy Smith]

Looks like the original chrome plating on this part has failed after getting wet one too many times. Can the part be removed? If so, I'd use a wire wheel on a grinder or Dremel tool to remove the rust and the remaining plating then paint the piece with metal primer and a high quality paint.

If not, you run the risk of damaging the frame's finish with almost any chemicals. I'd start with a Dremel tool and be very careful around the frame's finish.

This is inside, I don't need it painted. It wasn't painted to start with.

 

[Sierratim]

This is inside, I don't need it painted. It wasn't painted to start with.

It was chrome plated for protection. With the chrome failing the part will continue to develop rust over time from normal humidity conditions. It's certianly your call, but if you'd rather not paint, I'd suggest @Indian's approach of coating the part with non-detergent oil or grease as a rust inhibitor.

 

[Kathy Smith]

It was chrome plated for protection. With the chrome failing the part will continue to develop rust over time from normal humidity conditions. It's certianly your call, but if you'd rather not paint, I'd suggest @Indian's approach of coating the part with non-detergent oil or grease as a rust inhibitor.

I'm intending to use this: https://www.mrochem.com/BlackStar-Rust-Converter.html

 

[Nova Haibike]

I'm intending to use this: https://www.mrochem.com/BlackStar-Rust-Converter.html

Much too expensive and you only need a little, not a quart or gallon. Get this instead.

 

[Kathy Smith]

Much too expensive and you only need a little, not a quart or gallon. Get this instead.

Thanks for that.
The one I was intending to use also comes in 13oz spray can