How to Restore Old Tools - Rust and Paint Removal, Without Chemicals

Let's bust some rust! In this video i'm going to show you how to remove rust and old layers of paint using wire wheels and surface conditioning discs. Ill show you some techniques that will help your consumables last longer and share some products that will be helpful along the way.
Get a free Pferd Tool Catalog by clicking here:
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See below for some products used in this video:
As an amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pferd Knotted Wire Wheel:
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Pferd Cupped Wire Wheel:
amzn.to/3c2qR9L
Pferd Policlean Disc
amzn.to/3sVajaG
Pferd "prep for paint' kit: (includes quicklock arbor)
amzn.to/3c2Xm7G
Pferd Polinox Non Woven Drum (1/4" shank)
amzn.to/3c8XKS4
Pferd 1/4" shank wire wheel:
amzn.to/2MOhH88
Pferd 1/4" shank wire wheel:
Milwaukee Variable Speed Grinderr
amzn.to/38bMjb8
Milwaukee Cordless Die Grinder
amzn.to/3c3WRdJ
Check out the Lincoln Electric Power Mig 140MP, great for the home shop, Mig, TIG, and Stick in 1 machine!
→ bit.ly/MakeEver...
Thank you to Pferd abrasives for supporting my shop and my channel. For links to some of the grinding discs I use most see below:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
→ Flap disc:
amzn.to/2Myxozi
→ Inside corner disc (AMAZING):
amzn.to/2WoYM2q
→ Wire Wheel:
amzn.to/31k15rx
Thanks for watching! Be careful, know the limits of your skills and your tools! Don't try this stuff at home!
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We teach classes in woodworking and welding here at the shop, if your interested see the current schedule here.
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For PDFs of some of our project check out our profile on Instructables:
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Below are some links to tools I use in the shop on a daily basis.
Starbond CA Glue:
bit.ly/2H2eQmn
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
→ Bosch Miter Saw ( My Favorite miter saw)
amzn.to/2BeBulk
→ Sawstop Table Saw:
amzn.to/2DuAYVy
→ Wen Tabletop Metalcutting Bandsaw
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→ Articulated Vise:
amzn.to/2FXKw9V
→ Bosch Portable Bandsaw ( 18V)
amzn.to/2mQdUq4
→ Porter Cable Restorer:
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→ Lincoln 120V Welder ( good for a home shop)
amzn.to/2Dly6qV
→ The Camera I use:
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→ The Tripod I use:
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[@dopamine3255]

I would like to see a paint removal video with the same methods. A metal gate is my current struggle.

[@mazdarific1726]

Soak the vise in simple green concentrate in a bucket for couple days to a week. Longer in colder weather. The paint and rust will just fall of like skin on a burn victim. Rinse it off and it’s gonna be virgin cast iron to oil or paint. Done this many many times. Try it you will be shocked. I also clean up the handle and jaws on a fiber wheel on bench grinder it removes the staining wire wheel cannot remove. I’ve restored well over 100 vises it works give it a try

[@imover9999]

Lmao like skin on a burn victim. That's a morbid analogy, but great tip! Simple green isn't the cheapest stuff ever, but damn I love it for just about everything. It's magic.

[@nathanielbeans3625]

@Blob B no

[@gregwilliams7227]

Excuse my ignorance, but what’s ’green concentrate’? Is it a north American product?

[@mikerobinson6606]

​@gregwilliams7227 "Simple Green" is a heavy duty cleaner. You can buy it in concentrated form or ready to use. I'm not sure if it is shipped outside of the USA.

[@gregwilliams7227]

@@mikerobinson6606 Much appreciated, I haven’t come across it here in Australia, but that may just mean that I haven’t been looking in the right places…

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Chris great video this week. Very nicely and helpful video. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Cant want to see your next videos. Keep Making. Fab On. God Bless.

[@uncleblack7322]

Love your variable grinders, great vid...

[@jrw_8316]

The poli clean disc’s are great for removing mill scale. The scale also comes off easier before heat is applied to the material.

[@sanken4999]

How much grinding can you get out of the poli discs compared to zirconium ones? I see the poli's can be ~£10 per disc

[@spencereagle1118]

Absolutely love the Milwaukee M12 angled die grinder, it's one of the best tools I've ever purchased.

[@deltajohnny]

Great advices and very helpful video, with also great editing 👏👏👏

[@poch_alcantara]

Thanks a lot for a very informative video. Been looking for this subject for a long time. Your a godsend.👍🤗⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@wrenchwiki8036]

Tips I will actually use - I spend a lot of time knocking of rust. I have also abandoned electrolysis.

[@tomsommer54]

Great video as always.

[@zafarsyed6437]

I like having a fan about 5 feet behind me and over my shoulder, so air goes past me and keeps the dust from blowing up at me. If taking off paint, bodyshop friends recommended having an exhaust fan either right above or behind and/or below work area. Nothing worse than having dust blown around with an air hose if stuff is getting painted nearby... (or stained, sealed, finish coated, etc)

[@LBCAndrew]

Better yet would be to use a dust collection system with a wide scoop that an be positioned near your work. Not a great idea to have all that crap being blown around inside your shop.

[@zafarsyed6437]

@@LBCAndrew Absolutely! I think I meant to say (or presume) that an exhaust system is already present (video was some time ago) but to have positive, intake pressure, air coming from behind the person.

[@MichaelMantion]

I used an ultrasonic bath on a smaller tool once. it took about 2 days, not sure what the electric cost was but just got the paint off and didn't touch the metal (from what I can tell). Not an expert on paint, so I don't know what kind of paint it was, but it mostly came off in once piece, which was really neat. Usless as is so weak but still neat.

[@djwachy1234567890]

you should make a video of your EDC

[@rheeneek]

What about for thinner metal like restoring toolboxes and such?

[@jimq]

Congrats on your Win on "Assembly Required"

[@protect.your.digits.creations]

As always I learned some great stuff , that i will use .Thanks Chris......

[@letymontes8989]

Thank you for your video! Very informative .

[@diannelogsdon6107]

I like electrolysis. Cleans majority of the rust, then less wire wheeling. Less breathing the rust. Left with some rusty water, mixed with baking soda.

[@regina6827]

I enjoyed watching the tools eradicate old particles from metal!😵‍💫 When I remove rust from metal using a steel metal brush bit with my "MilwaukeeM12 Drill," it is VERY empowering!👏👏👏 Thank you, for sharing.

[@oby-1607]

Very M-powering with Milwaukee.

[@LabiaLicker]

When your actively grinding you are wearing ppe. However when your not grinding how do you manage hazardous dust? steel, aluminum, silicon carbide etc. Aswell as all of the nasty stuff that are in most grinder abrasives

[@MakeEverything]

I try to keep airflow moving in my shop at all times. Right above that workbench is a fan that blows air outside the window and it helps a lot with floating dust. I also have a few air cleaners running in the shop all the time to filter the particles floating around in space. I used hepa vacuums to clean the shop as well. It’s not easy but it’s worth it for some safety!

[@chadwygal2077]

Great video! One question: Once the paint/rust are removed, which can sometimes create a "polished" effect. What do you do to create a "profile" or "tooth" on the steel to have paint adhere well-if you are going to paint? What type of disc and grit? Thanks in advance

[@elmoflippingchannel1070]

use red oxide primer first before paint

[@chadwygal2077]

@@elmoflippingchannel1070 i use red oxide or kem kromik primer, thanks!

[@mpk8596]

Excellent video bro, thanks for upload.

[@garybrown9719]

3M Scotch-Brite? 4.5" Bristle Discs 😊 unless you have a wide beam lazer

[@rv-eb3wu]

Congratulations on your win on Assembly Required. You looked like a clear winner right from the start with the carb,

[@fastbicyclerider7300]

Yes it was a great win

[@penghunilangit9909]

The best tutorial..👍

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Love it. How many minutes per Ah are you averaging with that right angle M12 die grinder? I may pick one up with a couple of 6.0 batteries.

[@james10739]

For rust if you went to elemental makers channel and saw his evaporust knock off that's definitely the play if you have time but almost not effort and it's time you can do other things

[@jefflundy3838]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! Subscribed

[@gnawty4662]

Amazing video! Thank you so much. So basically I can remove rust with my drill and not buy a grinder? (I need to remove rust/paint off my wrought iron fence).

[@gabi199710]

hi what kind of respiratory mask do you use from the rust and paint in the air?

[@MakeEverything]

I wear a 3m with a particulate filter on it, I like the 2297 advanced filters.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

Pretty impressive! I don’t have a grinder but do have a dremel. Can I use a grinder versus a sander for wood restoration ( with extreme care) ?

[@LBCAndrew]

Using an angle grinder on wood is pretty much going to end in disaster. Grinders have pure rotary motion and very high RPM. Sanders are either dual-action or Random-Orbital which doesn't leave circular marks all over your work and they don't gouge things if you slightly tilt them. I do a lot of woodworking and have found, depending on the project size and type of wood, sanders will work well for larger flat surfaces but stay away from the corners/edges since they tend to round them over. For smaller stuff, i recently started using a card scraper. check out some videos on them. A dremel is good for certain things, but not for sanding

[@calvinnieh8943]

Great video. How does using these products with a die Grinder compare to similar products used in a brushless cordless drill or impact driver?

[@acajutla]

Compensate the lower rpm with more elbow grease

[@AJVAN_]

From my experience it's easier to remove rust from cast steel rather than tubing or something similar....

[@aprildec5518]

Excellent video

[@yurysun4727]

May i know which brush should i be using when removing paint from aluminium? Appreciate ur reply

[@chrisclark239]

What do you recommend for removing powder coat from Aluminum railings? How do you like that Milwaukee die grinder?

[@fredericksphotos]

Great video. What would you recomend i use to strip a wroght iron gate ?

[@CarpfishingextremeUSA]

Great job man

[@emilye709]

Thank you for this video! I meant to use zero voc paint on the floor of my car but accidental grabbed the wrong one and used it without realizing. My car now is off gassing badly and I have MS so I can't tolerate breathing neurotoxin fumes, even a little bit. I can't risk it. So I've been trying to figure out how to remove that paint without using chemicals that could leave their own noxious odor. This video is a life saver. I am wondering if it can be done with water to keep the dust down?

[@wiseoldman5841]

Try Peel Away. It's a paste and you cover it with a cloth then just lift up the old paint.

[@SYBEX21]

Question: I want to restore and repaint my drill press (KTF-13 from the 80s and stands about 4ft tall). would this method be good for the table and other parts that need to be cleand and polioshed? Yes I'm new and looking for solid advise before spendin $ on things that I don't need.

[@catherinehargreaves9959]

v.good vid. at 1;15 is that a decomissioned andgrenade don,t be offended for me asking all the best , jack .

[@MakeEverything]

Thanks! It’s actually a motorcycle rotor lock, just looks like a grenade

[@diyresttube]

nice tutorial bro.

[@kimber1958]

Very useful thank you,

[@RESTORATIONOFSCRAPMETAL]

Great job 👌👍

[@manojraval.311raval2]

Thanks 💐

[@charliecalzadilla6028]

Great video. What do you use to remove mill scale?

[@timbailey8254]

Thanksyourvidwashreatt

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

By the presence of that 'nade in the background, I'm guessing you have a difficult mouse or rat problem in your shop. My condolences.

[@oldhorseshoe4046]

good tip thanks

[@taylorwilliamm]

Caught my shirt with a grinder+wire wheel once. Scared the crap out of me. 😅

[@toadsprocket7598]

What do you do for mill scale ?

[@janmendoza2263]

Now I need a variable speed grinder.

[@house9850]

anyone know the best way to get in small corners? like metal windows?

[@thardyryll]

If this isn’t the best advertisement for a small abrasive cabinet, I don’t know what is. Yes, they take up plenty of room and demand a healthy air supply, but a couple sessions trying to get rust out of relief letters on a vise casting proves their worth. Save your pennies…

[@sashuni1064]

Folks with long hair, watch your hair as well! I’d hope it goes without saying, but stay safe

[@spicynoodles11]

I'm now restoring an old Woden vice whilst watching this video. I think I have a problem.

[@likeasparrowinthewildernes8333]

I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, O Lord, show this also to thy servant: whether after death, as soon as every one of us yields up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when thou wilt renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?" 76 He answered me and said, "I will show you that also, but do not be associated with those who have shown scorn, nor number yourself among those who are tormented. 77 For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High; but it will not be shown to you until the last times. 78 Now, concerning death, the teaching is: When the decisive decree has gone forth from the Most High that a man shall die, as the spirit leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, first of all it adores the glory of the Most High. 79 And if it is one of those who have shown scorn and have not kept the way of the Most High, and who have despised his law, and who have hated those who fear the Most High -- 80 such spirits shall not enter into habitations, but shall immediately wander about in torments, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways. 81 The first way, because they have scorned the law of the Most High. 82 The second way, because they cannot now make a good repentance that they may live. 83 The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for those who have trusted the covenants of the Most High. 84 The fourth way, they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days. 85 The fifth way, they shall see how the habitations of the others are guarded by angels in profound quiet. 86 The sixth way, they shall see how some of them will pass over into torments. 87 The seventh way, which is worse than all the ways that have been mentioned, because they shall utterly waste away in confusion and be consumed with shame, and shall wither with fear at seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they sinned while they were alive, and before whom they are to be judged in the last times. 88 "Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they shall be separated from their mortal body. 89 During the time that they lived in it, they laboriously served the Most High, and withstood danger every hour, that they might keep the law of the Lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore this is the teaching concerning them: 91 First of all, they shall see with great joy the glory of him who receives them, for they shall have rest in seven orders. 92 The first order, because they have striven with great effort to overcome the evil thought which was formed with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death. 93 The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the ungodly wander, and the punishment that awaits them. 94 The third order, they see the witness which he who formed them bears concerning them, that while they were alive they kept the law which was given them in trust. 95 The fourth order, they understand the rest which they now enjoy, being gathered into their chambers and guarded by angels in profound quiet, and the glory which awaits them in the last days. 96 The fifth order, they rejoice that they have now escaped what is corruptible, and shall inherit what is to come; and besides they see the straits and toil from which they have been delivered, and the spacious liberty which they are to receive and enjoy in immortality. 97 The sixth order, when it is shown to them how their face is to shine like the sun, and how they are to be made like the light of the stars, being incorruptible from then on. 98 The seventh order, which is greater than all that have been mentioned, because they shall rejoice with boldness, and shall be confident without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they hasten to behold the face of him whom they served in life and from whom they are to receive their reward when glorified. 99 This is the order of the souls of the righteous, as henceforth is announced; and the aforesaid are the ways of torment which those who would not give heed shall suffer hereafter." 100 I answered and said, "Will time therefore be given to the souls, after they have been separated from the bodies, to see what you have described to me?" 101 He said to me, "They shall have freedom for seven days, so that during these seven days they may see the things of which you have been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered in their habitations." 102 I answered and said, "If I have found favor in thy sight, show further to me, thy servant, whether on the day of judgment the righteous will be able to intercede for the ungodly or to entreat the Most High for them, 103 fathers for sons or sons for parents, brothers for brothers, relatives for their kinsmen, or friends for those who are most dear." 104 He answered me and said, "Since you have found favor in my sight, I will show you this also. The day of judgment is decisive and displays to all the seal of truth. Just as now a father does not send his son, or a son his father, or a master his servant, or a friend his dearest friend, to be ill or sleep or eat or be healed in his stead, 105 so no one shall ever pray for another on that day, neither shall any one lay a burden on another; for then every one shall bear his own righteousness and unrighteousness." 2 Esdras 2:31 ,,,,,,,,............

[@kaylebdunwoodie9079]

Google electrolysis. Much easier. Strips the metal damn near like I came with no marring Mark's or material lost. Electrolysis will take off all that rust and gunk.

[@franksuhuang6]

👍👍🌹🌹

[@canoelew2288]

Man, you gotta stop moving your hands, at warp speed, especially during close up shots! I was getting seasick......

[@21thTek]

Milwaukee tools are really over priced just one step down to fest tools. Paying more than twice does not give you twice the performance or quality, its more like A "Status " power tools syndrome.

[@lokograyfox2426]

It's easy to clean oxidized steel it's literally a thin layer of surface rust let's show how to clean actual rust that is caked on

[@manojraval.311raval2]

Thanks 💐

[@shopdoc]

I totally agree, I love restoring old tools and equipment! Just very enjoyable for me and satisfying! Great vid!

[@66crush9]

Hands down the best demonstration I have seen on these attachments on KZbin, great job on this video! I am looking into particular PPE to use with this setup and use of wire wheels and polishers...

[@joselrodriguez5999]

Saw you on TV this week in "Assembly Required". Good job, your skills are awesome! Are you going to post something about it?

[@dwwoodbuilds]

Nice video Chris. I know you were wearing a respirator, but maybe emphasize that the paint on old vises and equipment was lead-based and a major health hazard when mechanically stripping them. A chemical stripper in the case of lead-based paint can be much safer all around (no dust during or after). Thanks for discussing in the depth the loose vs knotted wire wheels and the running RPMs!! That's always important to emphasize, especially with people new to using them. Those pferd discs look great! Definitely going to be buying some! Thanks again!

[@doorsmaker]

what to use if u want to get rid of the paint/rust from small metal pieces - for example "window" decoration / closing system etc? thanks!

[@TheMuzShop]

Great Video Bro with loads of great info......👍👍👍

[@MakeEverything]

Thanks for watching bud!

[@Retroyoda]

Wait is that a grenade in the back? 😂

[@MakeEverything]

Just in case

[@Retroyoda]

@@MakeEverything you sir got yourself a subscriber!

[@EvelynHarrelson]

That's his biggest hammer lol

[@mikerobinson6606]

I don't own a power respirator suit and knowing those old Vises were painted primarily with Lead-Based paint back in the day, I just use paint stripper and power washer.

[@gregmize01]

GRENADE!

[@kolilagephart3766]

I get my tools used and a vari speed grinder is a rare bird . Have you used any speed controllers?

[@dreigan]

Whats the difference between a poly wheel lime you where using and a flap disk?

[@MakeEverything]

A poly wheel isn’t going to taking off material the way a flap disk will. There a slight removal of material because you are abrading it in some way, but it’s barely anything. They are definitely worth trying out!

[@dreigan]

@@MakeEverything thank you sir, I appreciate the response. And thank you for the great content!

[@alexanderbatson8305]

Where did you get that tool holder for your die grinder??

[@PennyKimball-tg9my]

I loved this video because having not really used a grinder until this weekend I've decided it as scary a tool as a circular saw. The way the edges grab it...yikes I'm restoring a trailer and need to get rust and paint out of the corners of angle iron. What's the best primer to use?

[@jettech1041]

Great informative video! Can you do a video on respirators? Thanks

[@MakeEverything]

Yes definitely! Respiratory health is so important in the shop

[@Ryan-yi6su]

If I have a die grinder with no adjustment for speed, could I not lower the regulator pressure? And control the air that way?

[@erikbarnas2067]

I love the vise restoration videos!

[@MakeEverything]

More coming soon!!!

[@pattayperformance]

I have a milwaukee corded grinder and I use wire wheels from HF and they start to wear down the brushed become porcipines. I usually average one of those wire wheels per project. Pulling out the needs out of my clothing days after is annoying. What brand wire wheels you recommend?

[@graydation]

Sandblasting would be faster and more effective

[@colinstu]

10:42 oops!

[@MakeEverything]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@colinstu]

@@MakeEverything still an informative vid! thanks!

[@LBCAndrew]

Dammit. Looks like i need to add a third Milwaukee angle grinder to my collection. I've got the small 7 amp beast 13amp but neither are variable. And i can't tell you how many times ive needed them to be variable.

[@jesperwall839]

Nice! 👍😀

[@filmdetective]

I dont think I’d buy a dye grinder specially for that, but can’t I use my drill?

[@MakeEverything]

Yes you can, they run much slower, but they’ll do a lot of what those little die grinders can do when your just removing paint or using a wire wheel or brish

[@janeblogs324]

Bearing in your drill isn't designed for side loads

[@luisangelcolon4479]

Do a 7" polisher with variable speed does the job?

[@MakeEverything]

They are usually much slower but for fine work they can do the job. Your not going to be grinding tons of steel with them but wire wheel and pain stripper would probably work great

[@Menelik.videos]

Those are good comparisons. Thank you.

[@ElLoboferoz787]

God bless you man been looking for a video that could show how to remove rust an effective way for my lx 470 rust frame thank you so much

[@gry6664]

Can anyone explain the sound at around 2:00 when he puts the grinder on low rpm? That strange (for me at least) sound coming from the grinder.

[@chi4life61]

Which one of these tools would be good for me to route remove rust underneath my 2005 Toyota forerunner so I can spray some rust protection on it?

[@cathyserafinowicz6374]

How can you remove seized rust from screws nuts bolts etc,without chemicals. Thanks so much. ❤️👏🏻

[@jzytaruk]

take the backing plate off your grinder while your using the wire wheel.. it will sit further down and the guard will do its job. Plus it will have better thread engagement, so if your grinder has a fancy brake, it wont spin off on its own.

[@Ernie23777]

Would these methods be overkill for a rusty wrought iron fence with old paint, thanks in advance!

[@TheCuriousOrbs]

I'm more of a chemicals kinda guy. Evaporust or bust.

[@DankoStojanovic]

How would all this apply to aluminum parts?

[@MakeEverything]

Sae principles apply but be careful with aluminum as these wheels can burn into aluminum and leave weird marks

[@DankoStojanovic]

@@MakeEverything Exactly my concern. I've spent hours and hours carefully sanding paint off of an aluminum wheel and I would have loved to be able to use a power tool. Would brass wire wheel be OK?

[@GregKean-t6l]

Very straight-forward information. Thank you!

[@einstant3369]

Nice, water dustless vapor honing do polishing

[@jacobbakst8982]

Good quality rough wet and dry sand paper

[@yozy4996]

excellent job..Thank you.

[@buddymorgan2351]

What advice can u give with small items with wire wheel grinder without getting hurt

[@MakeEverything]

Use a bench mounted wire wheel for small items. Check my new video about wire wheels on my channel!