initial cleaning of a new found wrench

[junkfisher]

I've been cleaning the grime off of the old tools I am running across with a handheld wire brush. I see someone mentioned vinegar soak. how long? diluted? anything else? some of these are really really rusted and I figured the wirebrush can't hurt too much. any input would be great. I uncovered (but not yet pulled out) some sort of wooden rails with a seat (think rocking horse) and it appears to have a pedal crank attached to other end. almost looks like a rowing machine. There is and old wringer washing machine sitting on top of it and I have to move 50 things before I can move it without breaking wooden contraption. lots of large and small woodplanes and other woodworking tools in this van. will know more at sunrise.

[Branson]

I've been cleaning the grime off of the old tools I am running across with a handheld wire brush. I see someone mentioned vinegar soak. how long? diluted?

Not diluted.  Let it sit over night and check in the morning.  Use that hand held wire brush, maybe some 000 steel wool.  If it looks good, wash it quickly and wipe it down with oil or you will get flash rust pretty quickly.

[mrchuck]

I have let tools soak for several days, absolutely no problem. Then I use a wire wheel on a grinder for buffing the crud off them.
I buy my vinegar in 1 gallon plastic jug at Walmart for 2.68  for a 1 gallon jug.

I prefer Evaporust, though.