Will WD-40 Remove Rust From My Tools?

WD-40 is somewhat of a cure-all around the house. Some of the most handy ways to use a can of WD-40 include silencing squeaky hinges and lubricating car parts, but we're here to let you know it's also a useful addition to your toolbox. If your metal tools have developed orange-brown spots, the beloved spray could help give them a second life.

Removing rust is definitely a surprising use for WD-40, although the spray does have some limitations. Regular WD-40 Multi-Use Product can penetrate and loosen light surface rust, making it easier to scrub away with a brush. According to the product's website, it also displaces moisture and helps protect exposed metal from further corrosion. But it isn't going to rebuild metal that has already become deeply pitted or weakened, or make the rust disappear without any scrubbing. Think of WD-40 as a helper in the rust-removal process rather than a miracle product. It works best on tools with a thin layer of surface rust. Thick, flaky corrosion may require heavier abrasion or a different rust-removal product like their Specialist Rust Remover Soak. Either way, that rusty tool may not be ready for the trash just yet.

WD-40 is widely considered one of the best ways to clean rusty tools. To give them new life, start by removing any dirt and grease and dry the tools completely. Saturate the tool with WD-40 and let it sit for around 10 minutes, gently scrubbing the area with something abrasive like a wire brush or steel wool until the rusty corrosion lifts. Give it a wipe to remove leftover residue and repeat the process if necessary. Once the rust is gone, you can apply a thin, final coat of WD-40 to help protect the exposed metal from moisture.

This all works by WD-40's trusty blend of corrosion inhibitors that can break through rust and loosen it from the metal underneath. Applying a thin coating after cleaning acts as a shield to displace moisture and protect the metal from developing new rust. It's a good idea to remove rust as it can weaken tools and make them less effective.

WD-40 also makes more specialized products for rust cleaning. If rust has frozen a nut, bolt, or other moving part, WD-40 Specialist Penetrant is perfect for reaching threads and crevices. If you have a lot of tools you want to treat in bulk or have heavier corrosion, WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak requires less scrubbing. Just pour the undiluted solution into a container, and completely submerge the metal. The website recommends soaking it for at least 30 minutes for light rust, eight hours for medium rust, or up to 24 hours for heavy corrosion. Rinse it with water afterward, dry it immediately, and apply the regular WD-40 to help prevent flash rust.