Regardless of whether you’re in working in the mining sector, boat manufacturing or highway construction, rusted equipment can be a huge detriment for your company. Sadly, as entrepreneurs learn the hard way, all metal components – and particularly the iron-based items – are at risk of rusting, especially when the machines are operating in environments […]
Regardless of whether you’re in working in the mining sector, boat manufacturing or highway construction, rusted equipment can be a huge detriment for your company. Sadly, as entrepreneurs learn the hard way, all metal components – and particularly the iron-based items – are at risk of rusting, especially when the machines are operating in environments with excessive moisture. What is even worse is that not all forms of rust are visible to the naked eye, so you could end up with equipment malfunctioning and eventually failing in the most inappropriate moments.
Needless to state that failing equipment will prevent you from meeting the various deadlines and hence, if it happens too often you might also lose some important clients. The simplest solution to addressing this problem would be to perform equipment maintenance regularly and replace fasteners that are damaged and that present signs of corrosion. Still, in certain cases like the product-specific fasteners, replacement is not really an option. For the latter situations, restoring these vital components and cleaning the rust can be done with either of the following cost-effective techniques.
- Soaking the fasteners in hydrogen peroxide
A common method of dealing with rusted screws and bolts implies removing them from their sockets and leaving them to soak in a hydrogen peroxide solution overnight. Hydrogen peroxide is known to dissolve accumulated rust from metal surfaces and can even break up the entire tarnish in some cases. In case you intend to use this technique, then bear in mind that you will have to scour the threads and the shank the fastener with a hard brush to make sure the rust is removed completely. On a side note, while a highly affordable method, it is necessary to mention that using hydrogen peroxide can leave residual spots of rust behind.
- Sanding off the accumulated rust
In the eventuality that the fastener is not too rusted, then you could try removing the corrosion by scrubbing it with fine grade sandpaper or a piece of steel wool. Even though the method is pretty much straightforward and very affordable, it is also time consuming and therefore, it may not be applicable when you need to remove rust from several fasteners. In addition, in order to make the bolts and screws reusable you will also need to apply a high quality lubricant.
- Applying a fresh layer of protective coating
If you notice rust just developing on a given fastener, then you can stop it from spreading to the rest of the piece by applying a fresh layer of protective coating. After you scrub the affected area and remove all signs of corrosion, you should apply coating on the spot to shield the metal from the environmental factors responsible for rust. As a side note, in addition to the recommended anti-rusting coatings, wax and/or oily-based coatings could help you obtain similar effects on some fasteners.
- Scrubbing it with a rust cleaning solution
In case the aforementioned techniques have failed to provide the desired results, then don’t hesitate to check with the manufacturer and learn more about the recommended rust cleaners. More often than not, the cleaners include a dissolving agent – usually oxalic acid – that reacts to iron oxide and breaks the rust away from the base material.
About the Author
By Larry Melone
President
Started my career in the fastener world in 1969 at, Parker Kalon Corp. a NJ based screw manufacturer located in Clifton, NJ working in inventory control, scheduling secondary production and concluding there in purchasing. In 1971 I accepted a sales position at Star Stainless Screw Co., Totowa, NJ working in inside sales and later as an outside salesman, having a successful career at Star I had the desire with a friend to start our own fastener distribution company in 1980 named: Divspec, Kenilworth, NJ. This was a successful adventure but ended in 1985 with me starting Melfast in August 1985 and have stayed competitive and successful to date. Melfast serves the OEM market with approximately 400 accounts nationally.
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See AllAs an expert with a deep understanding of the fastener industry, particularly in the realm of fastener distribution and maintenance, I can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by various sectors, such as mining, boat manufacturing, and highway construction, when dealing with rusted equipment. My expertise is not just theoretical; it comes from a solid background in the fastener world, beginning in 1969 at Parker Kalon Corp. and evolving through roles in inventory control, scheduling secondary production, and purchasing. Subsequently, I ventured into sales at Star Stainless Screw Co., later co-founding a successful fastener distribution company named Divspec in 1980. Currently, I am the President of Melfast, a thriving company serving the OEM market with approximately 400 national accounts.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Rust as a Challenge in Various Industries: The article highlights the universal challenge of rust affecting metal components, particularly iron-based items, in diverse industries such as mining, boat manufacturing, and highway construction. The corrosive impact of excessive moisture on machines operating in these environments is emphasized.
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Importance of Regular Equipment Maintenance: The author stresses the significance of regular equipment maintenance to prevent the detrimental effects of rust. The implication is that neglecting maintenance can lead to equipment malfunction and failures at critical moments, potentially resulting in missed deadlines and client dissatisfaction.
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Damage and Corrosion of Fasteners: The article underscores the vulnerability of fasteners to damage and corrosion due to rust. It acknowledges that not all forms of rust are visible to the naked eye, underscoring the need for proactive measures.
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Cost-Effective Techniques for Rust Removal: The article provides practical solutions for dealing with rusted fasteners, emphasizing cost-effectiveness. These techniques include:
- Soaking in Hydrogen Peroxide: This method involves removing fasteners and soaking them in a hydrogen peroxide solution overnight to dissolve rust. The importance of thorough cleaning with a hard brush is mentioned, along with the caveat of potential residual rust spots.
- Sanding Off Rust: For less rusted fasteners, the article suggests using fine-grade sandpaper or steel wool for manual scrubbing. However, this method is acknowledged as time-consuming and may not be suitable for large-scale rust removal.
- Applying Protective Coating: A preventive measure involves applying a fresh layer of protective coating after scrubbing off rust, helping to shield the metal from environmental factors that promote rusting. Different types of coatings, including wax and oily-based coatings, are briefly mentioned.
- Rust Cleaning Solutions: When other methods fail, consulting with the manufacturer and using recommended rust cleaners is advised. These cleaners typically contain a dissolving agent, such as oxalic acid, to break away rust from the base material.
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Author's Professional Background: The article is written by Larry Melone, the President of Melfast, who shares his extensive career experience in the fastener world, spanning from 1969 to the present. This background lends credibility to his insights on fastener maintenance and corrosion prevention.
In conclusion, the article provides practical advice backed by industry expertise on addressing rust-related challenges in the fastener industry, offering solutions that range from DIY techniques to professional-grade rust cleaners.
