Molasses as a rust remover is awesome

[Sam69sat]

Got 2 sets off wiper linkage (under dash), another set of clutch/brake pedals, and a few other misc parts in the mix right now. Been in for a week, probably give them another week before i take them out. Did 2 sets off headliner bows a few weeks ago. After hitting them with soap, water, and scotchbrite they look like brand new shiny steel.

 

[Sam69sat]

Do you all really prefer molasses to a vinegar and salt solution?

I do. Molasses doesn't burn if you get it in a cut or scratch. I believe it's safer. I've had vinegar dissolve coatings before. I like that you can "set it and forget it". Debatable as to which one stinks more. It's cheap at least at my location. I get 5 gallons for less than $20 bucks at the bulk animal feed store. Also you can dump it anywhere without worry.

I still use vinegar or evaporust from time to time for small parts like nuts and bolts.

 

[hdwrench]

Do you all really prefer molasses to a vinegar and salt solution?

i think molasses is not as corrosive…

 

[eldubb440]

Do you all really prefer molasses to a vinegar and salt solution?

I'm open to anything..... you have a recipe/ratio you prefer? details?

 

[hdwrench]

I'm open to anything..... you have a recipe/ratio you prefer? details?

1 gallons molasses 10 gallons water . i made up a small batch in a old folgers coffee can for small stuff too . i just changed out two rear tires on my early 80’s tractor and soaked the wheel bolts , locks and nuts in the can for a week. the tall came out like new . a quick rinse and a few seconds on a wire wheel. then prime n paint….

 

[69RunnerMike]

I'm open to anything..... you have a recipe/ratio you prefer? details?

I have had success using a 2:1 ratio with a cup of salt for each gallon of vinegar. Of course it depends on what you are de-rusting. This has worked well on sheet metal, frame rails, brake drums etc. As hdwrench mentioned, it can be corrosive so you need to experiment. I will give the molasses bath a try. I'm in West Virginia, there must be a feed store around here somewhere.

 

[Sam69sat]

1 gallons molasses 10 gallons water . i made up a small batch in a old folgers coffee can for small stuff too . i just changed out two rear tires on my early 80’s tractor and soaked the wheel bolts , locks and nuts in the can for a week. the tall came out like new . a quick rinse and a few seconds on a wire wheel. then prime n paint….

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Also using 9-10 parts water to 1 part molasses.

 

[haywire 440]

The molasses mix works better in warmer weather, if my memory serves me correctly. Inside a heated building is good.

 

[hdwrench]

caution - it is said the molasses process is not safe for aluminum. i have not tried it so cannot verify results on other metals . does anybody have any input on its effect on aluminum?

 

[haywire 440]

caution - it is said the molasses process is not safe for aluminum. i have not tried it so cannot verify results on other metals . does anybody have any input on its effect on aluminum?

I agree on not putting aluminum in molasses.

 

[71SandbugCharger]

Aluminum doesn’t rust. It can corrode, but acid on it will bite into it and dissolve it. Best to use a product made for it. Once I was restoring a taillight housing for my project, I put some citrustrip on it, and it dissolved the plastic!

 

[69RunnerMike]

I can't find molasses in my area. Where can I order it and what should I order?

 

[Photon440]

I can't find molasses in my area. Where can I order it and what should I order?

I have no idea what's in your area, around here I'll go into a livestock feed store and pick up a 20 pound pail. Try some place like this:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/search/molasses?

 

[eldubb440]

my latest victims

 

[69RunnerMike]

You need to look at places like this, not Amazon. Molasses 5 Gallon Pail - Bear Bait | Deer Bait | Archery Shop | Hunting Supplies

They offer a 5 gallon pail for $14, but want $114 to ship it to me. I think I'll stick with vinegar.

 

[Photon440]

They offer a 5 gallon pail for $14, but want $114 to ship it to me. I think I'll stick with vinegar.

How far away are they from you? I could be wrong, but I thought there'd be feed stores somewhere close to you in WV.