Help me clean rust off weights.

CoderGal
CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So, I've managed to get my hands on the following free rusty things:
Bench
Squat Rack
Barbell.

What's the best way to get the rust off? My biggest concern is with the type of barbell I have. It's a bar with a hallow bar over it.
IMG_20130316_183508.jpg

So I tried for about an hour
IMG_20130316_184626.jpg

And didn't get as far as I'd like with it. This is my first go with some tinfoil and water, but there is still rust in the knurling.
IMG_20130316_200741.jpg

How do I get the rust out of everything? Particularly on the inside of the hallow part of the barbell...not exactly something I can reach into. I've just taken the thing appart so I have to get a lot of rust off a giant rod and some surface rust off the inside of a hallow rod...
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Replies

  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    SOS pads? http://www.saveoursaucepans.com/

    I remember using them to clean rust off our bikes (that we left out in the rain) when we were little.
  • Admiral_Derp
    Admiral_Derp Posts: 866 Member
    Undiluted white vinegar. Spray, or let soak in for about 30 minutes.
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    ...
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    SOS pads? http://www.saveoursaucepans.com/

    I remember using them to clean rust off our bikes (that we left out in the rain) when we were little.
    Yep thats what I used for my bike...SOS pad was fail, tinfoil was fail, water was fail. There's also rust on the inside of the hallo piece, can't reach in there.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Undiluted white vinegar. Spray, or let soak in for about 30 minutes.
    I was thinking of this and wondering how well it works....the rust is pretty thick. And I'm thinking if I let it 'soak' for that long it'll dry and be pointless?
  • Admiral_Derp
    Admiral_Derp Posts: 866 Member
    Undiluted white vinegar. Spray, or let soak in for about 30 minutes.
    I was thinking of this and wondering how well it works....the rust is pretty thick. And I'm thinking if I let it 'soak' for that long it'll dry and be pointless?

    My bad, I meant if you can soak the bar in it, let it soak for about 30 minutes. With spray, you'd want to spray it, let it soak in, spray it again before dry, let it soak...etc. for about 30 minutes, then scrub. I've used it on a few things before and it seemed to work pretty well.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Undiluted white vinegar. Spray, or let soak in for about 30 minutes.
    I was thinking of this and wondering how well it works....the rust is pretty thick. And I'm thinking if I let it 'soak' for that long it'll dry and be pointless?

    My bad, I meant if you can soak the bar in it, let it soak for about 30 minutes. With spray, you'd want to spray it, let it soak in, spray it again before dry, let it soak...etc. for about 30 minutes, then scrub. I've used it on a few things before and it seemed to work pretty well.
    Ugh, so much scrubbing. Any suggestions on what I can put the bar in?
  • Admiral_Derp
    Admiral_Derp Posts: 866 Member
    You'll probably have to scrub some either way. Unfortunate, but just keep reminding yourself how cheaply you got away with it!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Option Lazy: Steel wool the worst of the rust off, then spray paint it with Rustoleum.

    If you can't clean it, cover it.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    You'll probably have to scrub some either way. Unfortunate, but just keep reminding yourself how cheaply you got away with it!
    The problem is it's impossible to scrub the inside of it.....see those red clips, they can be loosened and can slide off the bar...along with the metal middle with all the knurling (that piece is hallow and goes over the middle of the bar)
  • WinnerVictorious
    WinnerVictorious Posts: 4,733 Member
    You'll probably have to scrub some either way. Unfortunate, but just keep reminding yourself how cheaply you got away with it!
    The problem is it's impossible to scrub the inside of it.....see those red clips, they can be loosened and can slide off the bar...along with the metal middle with all the knurling (that piece is hallow and goes over the middle of the bar)

    why do you need to get all of the rust off?
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    First off; you should be able to get a new bar for not that much, never mind a second hand bar.
    I wouldn't go to THAT much effort - try and get it usable and not worry to much after I reckon.

    Can you confirm that the main bar is one piece, then the bit you hold is an extra thick bit on top?

    To get rust out of a hollow bar you could get an appropriately sized flap disc(1) and a drill extender.
    Or consider sand blasting - might work ok if you can get a decent seal to keep the pressure up.
    Or, for a simpler solution - some sand paper etc on the end of something which you can spin around inside it.
    But I wouldn't overly worry if it's not in the way of your hands.

    A wire brush will clean general rust up, but leave a bit of scratched-up surface. However, if you're painting after, probably ok - especially as you might want to sand it down a bit to give a good surface for the paint.
    I tend to use a wire brush on a drill, or better an angle grinder when welding or cleaning up big bits of metal - loads quicker.


    1 - dr181.jpg
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    You'll probably have to scrub some either way. Unfortunate, but just keep reminding yourself how cheaply you got away with it!
    The problem is it's impossible to scrub the inside of it.....see those red clips, they can be loosened and can slide off the bar...along with the metal middle with all the knurling (that piece is hallow and goes over the middle of the bar)

    why do you need to get all of the rust off?
    Because it's rusty :P

    Yeah I suppose I could just spray paint the inside.

    So next question. What kind of paint, Pink or green? :tongue:
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    Pink... and glittery. With Hello Kitty stickers everywhere. Or unicorns.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Option Lazy: Steel wool the worst of the rust off, then spray paint it with Rustoleum.

    If you can't clean it, cover it.
    Option lazy it is!
  • StaceySuperfly
    StaceySuperfly Posts: 101 Member
    Coca cola baby! Here's how to do it! http://www.endofthreefitness.com/barbell-maintenance-give-your-barbell-a-coke/
  • lacurandera1
    lacurandera1 Posts: 8,083 Member
    Green! And I'm with Lorena, clean it as best you can then paint. Someone told me iron out. Idk what that is but they said it works
  • Richie2shoes
    Richie2shoes Posts: 412 Member
    If you have a Harbor Freight Tools near you, go get the $6 dremel-like tool they sell. There are a number of grinding bits that come with it that will get into the tight spots.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    First off; you should be able to get a new bar for not that much, never mind a second hand bar.
    I wouldn't go to THAT much effort - try and get it usable and not worry to much after I reckon.

    Can you confirm that the main bar is one piece, then the bit you hold is an extra thick bit on top?

    To get rust out of a hollow bar you could get an appropriately sized flap disc(1) and a drill extender.
    Or consider sand blasting - might work ok if you can get a decent seal to keep the pressure up.
    Or, for a simpler solution - some sand paper etc on the end of something which you can spin around inside it.
    But I wouldn't overly worry if it's not in the way of your hands.

    A wire brush will clean general rust up, but leave a bit of scratched-up surface. However, if you're painting after, probably ok - especially as you might want to sand it down a bit to give a good surface for the paint.
    I tend to use a wire brush on a drill, or better an angle grinder when welding or cleaning up big bits of metal - loads quicker.


    1 - dr181.jpg
    Yep, just took everything apart before I posted this so I knew what I had my hands into. If it wasn't a one piece I'd say F it and deal with it until I find a kind giving soul who supplies me with oly bars lol.

    Keep in mind I'm a student, with no sand blasters and the like...which is why I got the free bar to begin with.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Coca cola baby! Here's how to do it! http://www.endofthreefitness.com/barbell-maintenance-give-your-barbell-a-coke/
    Yeah I used that on my bike before. Do you know what works just as good? Water.
  • GamerLady
    GamerLady Posts: 359 Member
    A wire brush would do it.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Pink... and glittery. With Hello Kitty stickers everywhere. Or unicorns.
    Hmmm I'm not sure how glitter will feel on the hands. May have to look into this :p
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Green! And I'm with Lorena, clean it as best you can then paint. Someone told me iron out. Idk what that is but they said it works
    I have a bike and I'm a fan of kawi green and I know a heat resistance engine paint that would just look lovely on it but not sure what kind of paint would be best or if it even matters....assuming the engine paint won't rub off since you know I scrub my bike to pieces and it's still best kind :p
  • ChristineS_51
    ChristineS_51 Posts: 872 Member
    I was going to suggest steel wool - love it and it shouldn't scratch either. Otherwise try Rust Rid? http://www.rustridaustralia.com.au/ If you can't get that, maybe go to a car wrecking yard / car repair place, they might have some hints?

    Good luck, all this scrubbing and hard work is good exercise anyway! :laugh:
  • diddyk
    diddyk Posts: 269 Member
    CLR. Seriously.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    fyi the last pic is after the steel wool and tinfoil.
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    If you're a student - are you at an establishment that has workshops etc?
    If so, I'd take it down there and see if there's anything they could do or help you with? Hopefully for free, too.

    In the end, I wouldn't go spending a lot of money on it if you don't already have access to stuff - as it's likely you can get a bar in better nick for the money spent.
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    Naval Jelly...I'm surprised no one has mentioned it.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Naval Jelly...I'm surprised no one has mentioned it.
    Thanks, where do I get this?
  • danimalkeys
    danimalkeys Posts: 982 Member
    personally, I'd use a stiff wire brush to get the loose stuff off, and leave it. Get some chalk for your hands and you won't have a grip issue. Using power tools to remove it will also degrade the knurling on the bar, and you want that to be good to help your grip.

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