On 2008-07-22, Ablang wrote:

What do people here do w/ bikes for other people to help them salvage
their bikes that may have been sitting outside just a little bit too
long and they don't want to spend the money on new sprockets & chains?

What types of chemicals will remove rust?

If you're removing rust from bare metal or chrome, a wire wheel on a
drill or bench grinder makes it a fast job. Rust under painted areas is
tricker because you don't want to take the paint off with the rust. Use
a "Brillo" type pad and gently remove the loose rust. If the
paint is discolored a little rubbing compound on a soft cloth
can often help. Apply wax over the painted parts to prevent new rust
from forming.

Depending on how rusty the chain is you may just want to bite the
bullet and replace it. If it's just a little surface rust on the side
plates a wire brush should remove it. If the links are frozen, replace
it.

Remember to put some value on your time. Spending 3 hours on a part that
could be replaced for a few bucks doesn't make sense unless it is
something rare or otherwise unobtainable.

--

John )
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