This may not be new to many of you, but I stumbled on a nice way to begin the clean-up of an old handsaw blade.
Came across some 4 1/2 by 5 1/2" 3M griddle cleaning screens at a home sale.  They fit nicely in my old Red Devil sanding gadget. 
I begin by scrubbing the blade with soap and water.  Then I apply some light oil and let it soak overnight.
Then I work it some with the griddle screen and I make real progress.  It really cuts the surface rust.
Follow that with several grades of paper.

Sounds like a low effort cleanup, but what about the etch?

Quote from: john k on April 24, 2017, 09:18:27 PM
Sounds like a low effort cleanup, but what about the etch?
[/quote
Take great care.

I got some of these from Amazon to see how they would work. I tried it on a hardened rule that was badly rusted. It did a good job, but the grit on these screens is VERY aggressive. They will scratch anything you use them on. A very light touch is required to keep scratching to a minimum.

That being said, it is another tool to use in the never ending fight with rust. And if you don't like the way they work you can always use them on your grill.

Mike

I like the lansky eraser block for hardened tools.  Doesn't scratch too much

I soak them thoroughly with Kroil and while still wet, wrap it tightly in grocery bag plastic.  Let it sit for a week or two and then scrub it with fine scotch brite or steel wool.

Quote from: johnsironsanctuary on May 14, 2017, 03:51:10 PM
I soak them thoroughly with Kroil and while still wet, wrap it tightly in grocery bag plastic.  Let it sit for a week or two and then scrub it with fine scotch brite or steel wool.

I like that, and will have to try it.  This weekend, I picked up a 36" Lufkin steel rule that got rusted over its full length; I've been mulling over the most efficient way to clean it up.

You mention Kroil specifically; will this work with other penetrating fluids?

Quote from: Bill Houghton on May 14, 2017, 09:49:50 PM

Quote from: johnsironsanctuary on May 14, 2017, 03:51:10 PM
I soak them thoroughly with Kroil and while still wet, wrap it tightly in grocery bag plastic.  Let it sit for a week or two and then scrub it with fine scotch brite or steel wool.

I like that, and will have to try it.  This weekend, I picked up a 36" Lufkin steel rule that got rusted over its full length; I've been mulling over the most efficient way to clean it up.

You mention Kroil specifically; will this work with other penetrating fluids?

I was going to try it with PB Blaster. It is also an excellent penetrant, and not as "pricey" as Kroil. And you can get it at an auto parts store.

Mike

Hello, I buy my PB Blaster & WD-40 , gallon size, from the local big box stores , prices are reasonable. Regards, Lou

  I use PB Blast, Gibbs  and Kroil, plus a few others,  I like the 1st 3 mentioned, but Kroil has a lingering smell
  that reminds me of using kerosene.

  some guys laugh when they see the different cans on the shelf in my garage.

Acetone + transmission fluid