Morning, I'm wondering how some of you clean rusty, collectible, tools? I have an old wernch with a light, dusty coating of rust I would like to clean-up, without ruining the "patina." My grandfather would soak rusty tools in gas. Is this OK for collectibles, or is there a preferred product/method?

Don't use gas!  Kerosene does good, rubbing with terry cloth if the coating of rust is light.  There are also those sponges with the non-scratch material on the back.  Patina should remain fine.

A rag soaked with WD40 or such will clean it up. Wax polish after wiping off all the WD and it can stay rust free.

Many ways to clean your old tools and without seeing them It would be difficult to recommend the best method. All of the advice posted is really good for light cleanup.

And to repeat what Branson said -NEVER use GAS - for anything but what is is intended for. It has a  HIGHLY volatile flashppoint and is potentially VERY dangerous.

There is an article on just this in the August issue of Fine Woodworking.  They did a product review of various products (petro, waxes, & oils) on various metals in a controlled "harsh" environment.