Best 10 Rust Removers

Are you a handyman? Do you like working with different tools and metal parts? Many power tools like cordless drills, table saws, angle grinders, and more run the risk of corrosion over the years. Rust buildup is a real problem that many amateur DIYers and professionals alike face that can be a hassle to deal with, not to mention damaging for your product. 

Take good care of your rusty tools such as impact drivers, chainsaws and hammer drills with a heavy-duty solution. Do you want to know a bit more about them? With our buying guide, you'll be ready to make the best purchase possible and keep away rust, just like the pros. 

What is a rust remover? 

Rust remover products, also known as rust converters, are one of many cleaning products that you can use to remove rust from any surface. By applying it, you can make oxidation and rust disappear. They also protect bare metals, stainless steel and other materials from rusting by coating a new protective material on top. Many people use them for treating rust on their car parts, tools, cookware or even chimineas. They have versatility and are multipurpose.

How do rust removal products work? 

The main idea of the rust removal product is to target iron oxide. Combining different chemicals into one product can protect surfaces such as metal, cast iron, and stainless steel. Built-up rust is the oxidation of metal, and with a rust stain remover, you can preserve its original state and prevent any further oxidation. To stop the rust from spreading even further on metal, they create tannic acid, a chemical that kills the rust and limits its damaging effects. Once you remove rust from the metals, the converter creates a protective coating that stops any other chances of damage. 

What benefits do rust converters and removers have? 

If you're looking for a reliable solution that eliminates the need for sanding or wire brushes, then look no further! These products are fantastic solutions that have multiple benefits. Have a look at some of the most obvious reasons we recommend you go for one of these excellent products. 

1. They are non-corrosive and prevent further damage. 

The biggest advantage and the most obvious one is that the best products can remove rust. That way, you can protect your garden tools, car parts and more with a good rust remover soak. With just a few applications, you can add solvent or non-solvent solutions that form a chemical new layer and limit new rust. You can keep corrosion at bay and save on efforts down the line.

 2. They have versatility. 

Another excellent advantage of these products is that you can use them for various applications. Chemical rust removers can heal rusty parts on your power tools, vehicles, antique items and more. You can bring new life to abandoned and long-forgotten memorabilia that your grandparents may have given you.

3. You save energy and time. 

Manually cleaning up rust can be a hassle that drains your energy and consumes a lot of your time. Other alternatives to using these products are to sand or grind the rust away. But that would require hours of your attention, whereas these solutions only require a few seconds or minutes. 

4. They are money-saving. 

Tackle the problem early with a super safe remover, and you save yourself money in the long run if the issue grows bigger. Rather than replacing an entire tool or parts, you can contain the problem before it worsens. So, you can save your pocket some costly repairs without hiring a professional contractor. 

What to look for in a rust remover

Is it your first time buying a rust converter? Do you want to learn a bit more about the top features to consider? Stay with us as we have added up a list of the most critical things to look for.

1. Application Method 

There are different application methods, from spray bottles to cans; you name it! You can apply some with a brush too, but the choice is yours according to the project you have in hand. Pick wisely by taking into account the amount of rust you have, the coverage area, and whether you can remove the corroded piece or not. 

2. Toxicity 

Treating rust requires a chemical reaction, so it's important to find one safe to use and touch without hazards. Some common chemicals they use are phosphoric acid or hydrochloric acid. These two are some of the most harsh chemicals, so it's best to wear protective gloves while using them. Also, consider if these items are flammable or non-flammable. This can matter, especially when storing the container in a warm environment or when you’re taking on car repairs. 

3. Formula

The two most common formulas will be water-based or chemical-based, and each works best on a unique application. Generally, a water-based solution is non-toxic and non-corrosive but not as strong as the chemical ones. Chemical solutions are a bit more dangerous, but having safe practices and protective equipment can tackle the most persistent rust that’s built up for years.

4. Drying Time 

Most, if not all, rust removing products require a couple of days to set and attack corrosion completely. Others can be ready to use over in a few minutes or hours, but for best results, we recommend going for those that take at least a day so that you get the most out of the chemical’s reaction.

5. Versatility 

A good product removes rust from multiple surfaces and through all levels of corrosion. Instead of purchasing separate products for each use, try to find one that combines functions and converts rust forming new layers effortlessly. The manufacturer’s description will mention the approved materials on which you can use your product.

What types of rust converters are available?

There are three types available, gel, spray, and liquid. Read up to learn a bit more about each and where you can apply it. 

Gel 

The gel form products are thicker than the liquid ones. The positive thing about them is that they don't drip due to their thickness. You can use a brush to paint or roll the gel more conveniently. These are very quick to dry and give you excellent results. 

Spray 

Some of these products come in spray form, either as a can or spray gun. If you’re looking for a quick fix that doesn't take too much time, these are the best option, and they have a very speedy application. One negative to them is that they are usually smaller containers, so you cannot use them for large-scale DIY projects. 

Liquid

The most common product is the liquid one. There are many sizes available with different thickness levels, but they have a straightforward application. You can spray over them hassle-free after a few hours or the next day as they're very easy to work with. 

4 tips to make the most out of your rust converter 

Do you want to use a rust remover soak like an expert? Don't worry; we are here to help you! We wanted to share some of our pro tips to help you work smarter, even if it's your first time. 

1. Use your product at room temperature, as colder temperatures don’t let the chemicals react as fast.
2. Before applying the rust remover soak, clean off any oil grease and debris.
3. You may have to let it soak from a few minutes to a couple of days.
4. When the rust dissolver is done, it stops working and turns black.

How much do rust converters cost?

Rust treatment products are not too expensive as they are fit for everyday household use. You can find options from less than £10 to over £25 in different formats perfect for rusting tools that need some attention. 

Affordable 

You don't have to hurt your pocket spending too much as affordable options start for less than £10. Most will be in a spray bottle, fit for small areas. Within this price range, you should find products that are better suitable for freshly formed rust. 

Mid-Range 

You can find a few more options in the market for a slightly upped price, from £10 to £25. These will give you more water-based or chemical-based formulas and different form types like gel, liquid and spray. If you have persistent stains that are hard to remove, these mid-range options will be more reliable. 

High-End 

The most premium models will cost over £25, and these will be larger containers with a bigger capacity. These are more suitable for cars or when you are handling heavy-duty rust problems. Also, you can find more special formulas meant for specific scenarios where you need the most robust option possible. If your pocket can afford these, they are very strong and can tackle anything that stands in their way. 

Closure

Rust doesn’t have to mean a death sentence for your metals automatically. Quick-acting rust treatment solutions like the best rust removers can help you tackle even harsh chemicals for effortless clean up. Check our top selections and find the one that makes the most sense for you. 

We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you better understand what to look for and why rust stain removers are some of the best cleaning products out there. Are you ready to scrape the rust off of any surface?