Cleaning rusty stuff

[scott_vt]

I have a bunch of rusty railroad stuff I want to clean up for the garage. I have to do a bit of decorating.

What is the best thing to use to clean rust of stakes and other items before you paint them.

Thanks.

Mornin Matthew,
IMO the best way with the least amount of mess is the wire wheel on a right angle grinder. When I can I use the bead blaster at work, but I realize that most people dont have that option. But it sure makes short work of anything rusty. I generally knock of the bulk with a wire hand brush and then finish it in the bead blast cabinet. The braided wire wheels that go on the right angle grinder do a terrific job also !

BTW a needle scaler is also a good idea, I just havent gotten around to buying one yet !