How do you clean rust off of SS guides?
 

Hey guys, two of my rods are rusted from the guides pretty bad, any good chemicals out there that would clean them right up? Thanks in advance for your help.

If you're using chemicals try Never Dull, it's in a silver and blue can at Walmart. That will work but it will take you some time. You could also try using a buffing wheel on a dremel but at low speed.

You want to be very careful with the inside of the guide rings. Any nicks will chaff your line. No not use a stiff wire brush if you don't have to.
I would recommend simple vinegar. I have restored some old rod that the guides were pretty corroded on, soaking them in vinegar got most of the corrosion off. If you can figure out a way to set up your rod so just the guides are hanging in a little cup of vinegar, you ought to be good. (I obviously cut the guides off the blank when I soaked them in white vinegar)
You might also try polishing them afterwards with super fine crocus cloth.

naval jelly??

rewrap it.

WOw! Thanks for all the tips guys! Not really worth rewrapping the rod, its a cheap penn rod, but I love it! THe only thing I've done to it was put x-wrap on the cork handel.

Barkeepers/Bartenders friend (forgot which on it is called). Its like a powder line ajax. that with a soft cloth or sponge should help.

wd40 takes some rust off too wipe down with papertowel

No chemicals needed...fine to super fine steel wool and some soapy or vinegar water works like a champ.

Can this be used on hooks too? Or just chuck them?

For hooks use a wire brush and a hook sharpener, gets it perfect everytime!

Generally steel wool is not used in a marine environment as the left over particles will leave rust stains where they fall unnoticed. Try ultra fine bronze wool from a marine store or some paint stores. Also try "Limeaway", the hardwater calcium remover.

Corrosion X :biggrinjester:

it dominates rust on my stuff, its $14 for a a can though so use conservatively you dont need much for guides.

THanks guys!

Nice, thx for the great info.

CLR
Calicum, Lime, Rust
http://www.jelmar.com/CLRbasic.htm

Keep it on the guides, not the rod.