Cleaning a rusty bit?

Question

I found a beautiful bridle w/ bit in an antique shop. I've been scrubbing the bit with vinegar (It's REALLY rusty), but there are a few stubborn spots that I can't seem to get out.

Any thing in-home I could use to help clean it up a little?

Thanks =)

Answer 1

Steel wool might work.  Or just soak it in the vinegar for a few day to a week.

Answer 2

Try some steel wool or "CLR"

Make sure you take the bit off first, before you work on it.

If it's that old, I do hope you're not intending to use it for riding - stitching gets brittle with age, and it wouldn't be good to have your bridle fall apart in mid-ride!

  For softening up old leather, you can use pure glycerin - put that one before you bend any of it, or it will break like cardboard if it's dry enough.

Answer 3

Wash it with soap and water one more time to get all that you have used on it off, then leave it alone.  A bit that will rust is usually a good bit, stop worrying about it, your horse probably loves the taste of it.  You didn't say what brand it was or if it was a hand made bit, but stop worrying about it, it won't hurt your horse.

Answer 4

There is a polish for mag wheels called Mother's Polish. It comes in a red can. My husband is a fabricator and says this will work. He used it on his truck to get all the rust off the wheels and bumbers. But you have to use a little elbow grease.

Answer 5

Hi- I have 2 different things for you to try-get some steel wool pads, that works real well-& then there is a product you can buy, called"Navel Jelly"(no kidding on that)but thats what it's soley made for-rust removal-

Answer 6

Sandpaper.  It will take the rust right off.  Just do it outside.

Answer 7

steel wool and/or hydrogen paroxide...also, you could just buy a new bit and switch it in

Answer 8

steel wool and maybe a little light oil or not