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Grasswire2

(13,849 posts)
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 12:26 AM Jun 2025

Q. How do I restore a large garden shears that has totally rusted shut?

Is it possible?
Any clues?
Thanks in advance.

19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Q. How do I restore a large garden shears that has totally rusted shut? (Original Post) Grasswire2 Jun 2025 OP
Have you tried PB Blaster? flvegan Jun 2025 #1
I'll keep it in mind. Grasswire2 Jun 2025 #4
A hammer, most likely dpibel Jun 2025 #2
what would I polish it wth? Grasswire2 Jun 2025 #5
Sandpaper dpibel Jun 2025 #9
thanks! nt Grasswire2 Jun 2025 #17
Vinegar, strangely enough, removes rust. Try soaking a paper towel fierywoman Jun 2025 #3
will test that out. Grasswire2 Jun 2025 #6
I rescued a few of mine in a similar state! Then google or UT how to properly sharpen fierywoman Jun 2025 #10
I think a better idea.... lastlib Jun 2025 #15
you kinda' got yourself a problem. stopdiggin Jun 2025 #7
heck no Grasswire2 Jun 2025 #8
Soak the tool overnight in a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water. Emile Jun 2025 #11
This message was self-deleted by its author sl8 Jun 2025 #12
good hint about the eye protection! nt Grasswire2 Jun 2025 #19
Kroil Earl_from_PA Jun 2025 #13
This is what you want: LuckyCharms Jun 2025 #14
thanks for the tip Grasswire2 Jun 2025 #18
Coca-Cola removes rust. 3catwoman3 Jun 2025 #16

flvegan

(65,674 posts)
1. Have you tried PB Blaster?
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 12:30 AM
Jun 2025

Should be available in most Lowe's/Home Depot/Target/Walmart or Amazon.

It's always been my go-to. YMMV.

dpibel

(3,754 posts)
2. A hammer, most likely
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 12:32 AM
Jun 2025

Lay it with the blades flat on a hard surface.

Give a few smart raps with a hammer on the top blade.

Likely will break it loose.

Don't be shy about whacking it. You've got a broken tool. If you break it more, no loss, really.

But probably it will break the rust and then you can polish it up and oil it and go forth and shear.

dpibel

(3,754 posts)
9. Sandpaper
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 01:37 AM
Jun 2025

If you've got enough rust to freeze it shut, you can start with something pretty aggressive.

fierywoman

(8,497 posts)
3. Vinegar, strangely enough, removes rust. Try soaking a paper towel
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 12:36 AM
Jun 2025

in vinegar, wrap it around the rusted part, let it sit for a few hours, see what comes off. If it's really severe it might take a few tries.

Grasswire2

(13,849 posts)
6. will test that out.
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 12:48 AM
Jun 2025

The whole damned thing is rusted. It was left on a garden shelf all year, exposed to the tlements.
Thanks.

fierywoman

(8,497 posts)
10. I rescued a few of mine in a similar state! Then google or UT how to properly sharpen
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 01:39 AM
Jun 2025

scissors.

lastlib

(27,417 posts)
15. I think a better idea....
Fri Jun 6, 2025, 01:11 PM
Jun 2025

straight white distilled vinegar in a plastic bag. Soak for an hour, see what comes off. Scrub with steel wool. Rinse, dry, repeat.

Alternative to vinegar is (you may or may not believe this, but it works) soak it in Coca-Cola. Be sure to rinse it well after you're done, b/c the sugar will gum it up.

If that doesn't work, try an electrolysis bath. More expensive, moe complicated, but not hard, and guaranteed to clean it. Plenty of YouTube videos on how-to. I use it for cast iron, and it works great!

stopdiggin

(14,914 posts)
7. you kinda' got yourself a problem.
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 12:49 AM
Jun 2025

and that is - even when the blades are broken free - are you going to be able to restore a proper sheering action between blades and (probably compromised?) cutting surfaces? Don't mean to dissuade you - might be worth a shot. But those blades need to be able to move fairly tightly, and with a bit of tension - while also cleanly, past each other.

Still and all - 'good enough' might be just fine here. Not like you really need a precision surgical instrument ... Do ya?

Emile

(40,312 posts)
11. Soak the tool overnight in a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water.
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 05:34 AM
Jun 2025

Then use steel wool in circular motion. After removing rust, spray the tool with WD40.

Response to Grasswire2 (Original post)

LuckyCharms

(21,414 posts)
14. This is what you want:
Thu Jun 5, 2025, 07:54 AM
Jun 2025
https://www.harborfreight.com/1-gallon-evapo-rust-rust-remover-96431.html?gQT=1

Get a large, flat plan. Pour this product in the pan. Drop in the shears. let them soak. Removes rust down to the bare metal.

This stuff works. No solvents or other toxic material. Will not harm any components. Can dispose of down the drain. Or, pour used liquid back into the jug, and it can be re-used later.

Dry off the shears, apply some WD-40, and you're good to go.

Final edit: This stuff is about $28.00 a gallon, but since it is re-usable, it will eventually pay for itself. If you have other rusty tools, drop them in the pan along with the shears.
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