I found an old railroad spike(circa 1840) and was wondering the best way to take te rust off.?

Question

I found an old railroad spike(circa 1840) and was wondering the best way to take te rust off.?

Answer 1

There are various rust removers at hardware stores, and they're all pretty good. I use 'em myself from time to time. 1840 might be a stretch. The pattern of track building like we're used to today started in the mid 1850s. I'm somewhat of a historian on spikes and track components. I'd appreciate a description or photo if you would please. Click my avatar to contact me if you wish. I'd appreciate knowing more about your find.

Answer 2

coke

Answer 3

I neverheard of the rodent bums (mole-asses) trick, interesting.

I have soaked similar objects in deisel fuel for a while then used a wire brush, followed by steel wool.

Answer 4

Who, and by what means, was this spike dated to 1840?

If in fact from that era, keep in mind it doesn't share the properties of steel, as we know it today.  You may find in trying to free it of rust, which may have permeated it to the core, being low quality iron, may result in its disintegration.

If you suspect it is worth anything, other than a curio, contact a metallurgist for guidance.

Answer 5

use a small grinder such as a dremel

Answer 6

In agreements with other posters, please do take it to a metallurgist.  Have them diagnose how deep the rust is, if it's just on the surface, then you can remove it with a very light sandblast.  That being said to keep it light is to ensure that the year stamping won't be blasted away.  Now, if you'd like it to be shiny, you have two options; as another poster said, wrap a rag around it with cooking oil.  That should work.  Or option number two; take it to be professionally polished.  That'd really make 'er sparkle.  I give full credit to the other posters I quoted.  I just wanted to combine the best information as I've seen it.

Answer 7

Gridwinder:

That is a simple think to do and not all that expensive to do.

Take it to a body shop where they have a sand blaster. Have them clean it as much as they can. Then coat it in [believe it or not] cooking oil and rap it in a rag for a few days. Then look at it and just see how pretty and clean it is. You have a treasure on your hands there buddy.

Answer 8

put it in a glass jar filled with coca-cola!! jk it might work though!!

Answer 9

Use naval jelly.  Take a little rust off at the time.  Mechanical grinders may damage it.

Answer 10

Obtain a big enough tub of molasses and drop the spike in that.  Leave it in a warm, not hot, spot for a few weeks.  Golden syrup and treacle do not work, it has to be molasses.  Alternately get some rust passivating liquid from a car accessory place and use as directed, which is probably better.   (An 1840 railroad spike is pretty early - are you really sure it is so old?)