Cleaning galvanized items?

[semenza]

I have been doing some tool maintenance lately such as cleaning and protecting items that were getting some rust.

I also have a bunch of things that have what looks like a galvanized finish.  The steel parts on Festool items , like the MFT corners, and Festool clamps, plus other non-Festool things.   Now after some time these start getting a dulled, rough  surface, and if really bad ...  powdery.  I assume that the usual things to protect  (wax, BoeShield, etc.) will work for protecting these items.  But is there a product or process that will clean / renew the surface?

Seth

 

[Alan m]

not sure seth.
i would like to know too.
there is a write up in fine woodworking about all those products that keep steel from rusting. i presume the saem applies here too.

 

[Kev]

Coastal Australia and metals are not good friends. I frequently use Inox and Lanox on metal surfaces - they need something to keep the nasty atmosphere away ... I don't know what your local equivalent would be.

Festool gear doesn't seem to be made to prevent rust and corrosion - my KAPEX blade turned brown overnight!   [eek]

 

[jmarkflesher]

To clean galvanized or steel that is mildly rusted or heavily powered I use a brass 10" wire wheel on a drill press. Highest speed and push the piece into the wheel as needed. It doesn't scratch and sometimes cleans to like new. I also have a bar with wheels made up for my lathe. MARK

 

[Michael Kellough]

If it's clean already I'd wipe it down with Naptha (aka lighter fluid) and then apply paste wax like Behlens or Butchers.

If you know there is ordinary dirt on the surface clean with slightly soapy water first.

 

[semenza]

The wire wheel worked great ! Gleaming !  [big grin]

Seth