Electrolytic rust removal

[kristopher]

9. I've been using hydrogen chloride (bathroom cleaner for lime scale and rust)

I enjoy collecting old hand tools and to recondition them this stuff works really well. The off brands are inexpensive at about $1.50 for 28oz or so.

Considering the convenience I'll probably stick with it for small projects, but even though you can dilute it larger projects are apt to be a bit expensive. I look forward to trying your method out the next time I'm tackling something large like a 100 year old, 90lb vise.

Thanks.

PS - if anyone tries the hydrogen chloride read the precautions label. Be sure to use rubber gloves and do it in a well ventilated space - and I mean well ventilated.

ETA I'd never heard of washing soda and google tells me if I have trouble finding it, you can make it by baking regular baking soda at 400 degrees for about a half hour.
http://www.pennilessparenting.com/2011/01/homemade-washing-soda.html