Anyone know how to dissolve rust?

Tom in TN · Oct 4, 2018

I have an old Gravely, heavy duty walk-behind mower. It has an electric starter that is coupled via a roller chain to a large cogged wheel that bolts to the driveshaft. The chain is about the size of a typical bicycle chain. My chain has gotten rusted to the point that many of the links are "frozen" to one another so they won't flex as they should.

I've been soaking the chain in old's magic formula of acetone and automatic transmission fluid for about a week now. I've been able to break some of the links loose, but there are still many that are frozen solid. I've sprayed it a number of times with Rust Buster but that hasn't seemed to help either.

Anyone have any idea of how I can dissolve some of the rust and get the links to freely flex with one another?

Tom in TN

Mike(NEOhio) · Oct 4, 2018

Just give it more soaking time. When it's all freed up degrease it thoroughly them soak it in Evapo-rust. Or just get a new chain. Should not be hard to match it.

old · Oct 4, 2018

First off lets clear something up. I have NEVER said acetone and ATF for any thing. That said if I where you I would try a mix of turpentine and ATF but first start with the turpentine and soak the chain for a few days in it then add the ATF and soak it a few more days.

kcm.MN · Oct 4, 2018

Soak the chain in vinegar for a day or two. That will work most of the rust off.

For faster results, you can try muriatic acid, but keep a close eye on it, as that works much faster.

Personally, I'd go the slower route and use vinegar.

Traditional Farmer · Oct 4, 2018

Brake Fluid.Also ZEP penetrating oil

Tom in TN · Oct 4, 2018

Hey old,

I'm so sorry that I misquoted you. That was entirely unintentional. I know that you have been successful in breaking engines loose, and my weak, old memory thought that you were using acetone and ATF. I'll try the turpentine and ATF mixture.

Tom in TN

Tom in TN · Oct 4, 2018

Mike,

You're absolutely right about buying a new chain. I found a website that sells them but I'm just so danged stubborn, I'd like to try to free it up and reuse my old one. We'll see.

Tom in TN

PaGlenn · Oct 4, 2018

I have soaked half dozen iron bottle moulds over past three weeks using vinegar. Good results.

jeffcat · Oct 4, 2018

Well you could just go buy a new piece of chain. Not that expensive. One way to loosen them we use in the shop. Take your bernsomatic and heat the links a little. Not super hot, just hot. Gently bang on it with a little bitty hammer on a wood block. Another way is put the chain in a vice and heat it a little. Screw driver that just fits through and work it back and forth. Soak in coca cola. Another is the deal useing draincleaner and a battery charger.

rustyfarmall · Oct 4, 2018

Once you get all the rust out, you will probably find the chain is worn and loose.

boler76 · Oct 4, 2018

try soaking it is molasses and about 25% water, will clean it right up so it looks like new, takes a few days tho'

Mark-Ia · Oct 4, 2018

E-85 is a great rust remover.

CCer · Oct 4, 2018

I have had much success freeing stuck/frozen/ rusted things with heat, using a steam jenny. the item ends up clean, loose and it's original finish, no burn marks from flame heat. I try to loosen the item while it is still hot. YMMV.

D beatty · Oct 4, 2018

If it's that bad and mower is still good why not put a new chain on it. If you do free it up it's likely it won't last long.

504 · Oct 4, 2018

Tom I had the same problem and soaked it just like you did. It took a hammer and vice to get it moving. The chain is the same as an overhead door opener uses. Mine froze up again from moisture in the air,I bought new chain.

RedMF40 · Oct 4, 2018

Also recommend vinegar. Works miracles on rust. After a day or two you'll be down to bare metal in most cases. After that, your chain will be gone. Check on it, stir often.

37chief · Oct 4, 2018

I will agree on that. I mix mine 8 water one molasses. Takes a wile, but comes out no rust. If you use molasses get all the oil off the chain first. Stan

db4600 · Oct 4, 2018

I just recently heard of the molasses trick from a long time farmer/ friend that is a square shooter. Will have to try it.

WAYNE-N-TEXAS · Oct 4, 2018

I second vinegar. Use the white, in a few days (2 or 3) then flex it around,you will have a flexible chain. Oil the devil out of it and use several more years.

rustred · Oct 4, 2018

dont understand why your worried about a little chain, its junk... get a new one and it will be already lubed too. not a high priced item .

Lou from Wis. · Oct 5, 2018

Tom,Don't know if you can get this product where you are located. The best rust destroyer we have ever found (bar none) is Calsi SOL. PLUMBERS USE IT TO CLEAR RUST FROM WATER PIPES and boy does it ever work, but use it in well ventilated place with rubber gloves.I'm not affiliated with this company in any way, but just a very satisfied customer I would ask any plumbing shop if they handle this product.
Warm regards: Lou & Victor.

Texasmark1 · Oct 5, 2018

Naval Jelly.

Clarence Slydell · Oct 5, 2018

(quoted from post at 00:19:05 10/05/18) dont understand why your worried about a little chain, its junk... get a new one and it will be already lubed too. not a high priced item .

Stepping over dollars to pick up a dime.

ss55 · Oct 5, 2018

A rusty roller chain will continue to rust and will freeze up again in the off season if not sooner. Make sure you can hand start the mower when the chain is stuck. A new chain should cost less than an hour of your labor.

Anyone know how to dissolve rust?

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