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

[Grasswire2]

Is it possible?
Any clues?
Thanks in advance.

[flvegan]

1. Have you tried PB Blaster?

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

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

[Grasswire2]

4. I'll keep it in mind.

I wonder if it costs more or less than a new pair of shears.

[dpibel]

2. A hammer, most likely

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.

[Grasswire2]

5. what would I polish it wth?

Steel wool?

[dpibel]

9. Sandpaper

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

[Grasswire2]

17. thanks! nt

[fierywoman]

3. Vinegar, strangely enough, removes rust. Try soaking a paper towel

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]

6. will test that out.

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

[fierywoman]

10. I rescued a few of mine in a similar state! Then google or UT how to properly sharpen

scissors.

[lastlib]

15. I think a better idea....

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]

7. you kinda' got yourself a problem.

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?

[Grasswire2]

8. heck no

Just need to trim back some vegetation that's out of control.

[Emile]

11. Soak the tool overnight in a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water.

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

[Grasswire2]

19. good hint about the eye protection! nt

[Earl_from_PA]

13. Kroil

The oil that creeps.

[LuckyCharms]

14. This is what you want:

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.

[Grasswire2]

18. thanks for the tip

I think the shears only cost me 14 bucks a few years ago.

[3catwoman3]

16. Coca-Cola removes rust.

Kinda scary -