I bought a few metal files at the flea market that had a pretty thick coating of rust. Gave um 4 days in vinegar and scrubbed them with steel wool. 



I still need to get a bit more of the rust off but do I need to paint these or anything? I don't want new rust forming. This is my first time doing anything like this

>>2601854 (OP)

I've used a nylon rotary wheel on files before. You want to use a cheap chinkshit Horrible Fright drill, since those are faster than anything. You want 3,000 RPM. Once they're clean, rub 'em down with 6-in-1 oil.

I have a bench grinder with a wire wheel. Will that work? Or will it damage the files?

>>2601854 (OP)

citric acid > vinegar

it's cheaper, more effective, smells better, food proof

>>2601854 (OP)

>He bought the dull rusty files at the flea market

Bud, those won't work for shit as actual files. Or at least it's a gamble buying them, cause you don't know how hard the original owner fucked them up, nor how long they've been banging around in a duffel bag with other rusty files.



Those are meant to be forged into knives and stuff. It's worth buying new, quality files if you need them to actually work.

just dip them in sulpheric acid to sharpen them

This. I wasted a lot of time on old worn files. You may get some that are worth it but generally you won't. Them being very rusty is a bad sign. The rust alone dulls it. You only need a couple of new files. Pferd is a good brand.

>Pferd is a good brand.

instead of buying brands, you should buy "precision files" 

Normal shop files are low grade carbon steel or sometimes even carburized mild steel. What is sold as precision files for tool and die maker or jewlers is made from alloyed tool steel and several Rockwell harder. they last multiple times longer and can even chew on hardened steels.

The difference between a very good file and a decent file is like additional hours of your lifetime wasted filing

Also get a "file card" which is like a wire brush to get the flotsam out of your files.

I would stick with nylon, really.

> sulphuric acid

Yeah, i read somewhere that it will work.

Should get rid of thhe rust, too.

Wash with distilled water, then 99% isopropyl, and maybe coat with wd 40 to prevent more rust

they'll never be as good as new files - treat yourself on this one - buy new files. nicholson is fine.
