Does anyone know the best way to clean a socket set to get rid of the dirt/rust

This type - http://www.aldermans.com/Artwork/Par...hRachetSet.jpg
... specifically the breaker bar/wrench part (like the handles, which are a bit rusty and have niks in them that are rusted)

I'm looking for a way that's easiest and cheapest. I saw this method (electrolysis - http://www3.telus.net/public/aschoep...lyticrust.html, will it work on this type of tool?

 

Probably the easiest way is with Naval Jelly (like this: http://www.loctiteproducts.com/produ...id=169&PID=482) which will remove the rust. Then wipe down with a light coat of oil or paste wax.

The electrolytic method will also work, but I wouldn't necessarily call it "easy".

 

I've used metal prep and etch (which is basically dilute phosphoric acid, avail at HD, Lowes, Auto body repair suppliers) successfully to clean up rusted parts and bolts, combo-wrenchs, screwdrivers, chisels, etc. Also used it to clean out M/C gas tanks prior to sealing. You can just put in in an aluminum roaster pan and lay the parts in. Wouldn't recommend submerging a ratchet head tho. Also not sure if it will affect the chrome, but I don't think so.

Nice thing is, it leaves a greyish phosphate finish wich helps to inhibit further rusting.

Wear rubber gloves and goggles!!!! IT WILL HURT YOU if you get it on open wounds or in eyes. Don't splash it. Rinse immediately if you get it on skin.

 

Thanks for the advice and link fixing.

I'll see if I can get either product locally - I think the electrolysis is a little over board. I've tried WD40 and basic low level elbow grease and it's not worked.

Problem is, I've borrowed the socket set and I can't remember what state it was in when I got it. If I've made them that dirty/rusty (I have a damp garage) then I really need to clean them. If they were like that when I got them then I'm probably best leaving them as were, rather than trying to get long term rust off, returning them and they're not used for a year and build up more rust cos I've striped the protective grime from them. Silly me, I should have thought in advance and checked their state before just jumping and using them - lesson learned

 

Many borrow and don't return so I am happy that your are returning them. Maybe a suggestion. Why not simply go out and buy a new set the same in quality or better and give them to the person you borrowed them from?. Then you just explain what happened at that time. Keep the old ones and so you dont have to go thru this again.

 

@ablemess
A good product for you ( for future tool storage ) is called
SHEATH ( name now changed to BARRICADE ) -You will find it in gun shops, sporting good stores & some hardware stores.
I comes in spray cans-spray a thin coat on your tool & they will not rust. I have 46 guns-stored for two years with a thin coat of SHEATH--NO RUST. Try it & you will love it..........