Rust removal on dies and press

Eliatodd · Jan 11, 2021

Hello folks, i wave recently inherited about 20 sets of older rcbs and Redding dies with 2 presses that have smaller spots of surface rust. I did a quick scan and didn't see this topic so am asking here.

The rust is not enough to retire the dies and i would like to save them as spares for what i already reload and some that i will reload in the future. I'm hoping that i can buy something in bulk and soak them - then a little scrubbing. rather than treat each spot on each die separately. Each die has multiple spots and with 40-50 individual dies, that could take some effort.

Any ideas are appreciated, even if your just voting yes or reccomending on something already mentioned.

jbett98 · Jan 11, 2021

Kroil is what I would use. "The oil that creeps" made by Kano Labs.
Just place the items in a plastic baggie and spray/squirt enough to cover the parts and let sit a day or so.
The rust should wipe off.

Eliatodd · Jan 11, 2021

jbett98 said:
Kroil is what I would use. "The oil that creeps" made by Kano Labs.
Just place the items in a plastic baggie and spry/squirt enough to cover the parts and let sit a day or so.
The rust should wipe off.

Nice. I'll look it up.

Thanks for the response!

BigDog67 · Jan 11, 2021

I use EVAPORUST with excellent results on tools, and even in muzzle loader barrels. It will run you about $25 a gallon. It is non toxic and will work for months before it wears out. Soak the item for a couple hours, wash with hot water, dry and oil lightly.

Certaindeaf · Jan 11, 2021

Steel wool and oil.

Cavedweller · Jan 11, 2021

Lots of videos on YouTube comparing various methods. Here's a short one:

Saw one that said a soak in Coca Cola works pretty good, too.

P7M13 · Jan 11, 2021

To avoid scratching, use Brass wool and Barkeep's Friend.
For nickel and chrome plated stuff, use copper wool. I have restored several ancient faucets that way without scratching them.
For the inside of dies, you can use a drill and a brass bore brush.
Naval Jelly works too on some stuff like screws. If it gets near bluing, it will remove that too (bad).

Eliatodd · Jan 17, 2021

Hey all. Just an update to thank you all for the responses. I have about 15 sets of dies to clean (plus 2 presses etc) so thought I'd get a couple of these products and compare them. I'll do my best to document the results. Wait for a report from me in a few weeks.

Side note, I also want to find a product that might work well in a sonic cleaner. Haven't found it yet but will report results.

Thanks again!