Rusty cylinder rod

[ParkerFly]

I've got a couple of cylinders where the rods have rusted from being exposed the last few years. Can the rods be sanded down and polished in any way to allow me to use the cylinders only a few more times? They are used to prepare a large piece of equipment for transport, and if I could get a half dozen more cycles out of them I'd be done using them most likely.
If this can be done, what is the best way to do it? Thanks,

Justin

 

[MtnViewRanch]

We have used emery cloth before with good results.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Put some oil on the rods and use some fine emery or crokus cloth. Depending on how bad the rust is, you could use about 120 grit to start, or finer. Always, and I stress always, use a circular motion going around the rod, definately not up and down the rod. When you go up and down the rod, you make a path for oil to flow out between the rod and seal. I like to tear off about a 2' piece, go around the rod, hold an end in each hand, and pull it back and forth. Make sure you go all the way around. Ty to make sure there are no sharp edges. Indents from the rust are okay, but no protrusions. If you only need these cylinders for a few cycles, you shouldn't have any problems.

Andy

 

[20 20]

I agree with the oil and a circle motion on the emery cloth. Use as fine a grit as you can get away with, maybe 400-320????????????

 

[ParkerFly]

Well here are the results. Here is a before & after pic, what are your guys thoughts? Ok to use? I used 320 grit until my arms about fell off, and then came back with some 420. The rods feel pretty smooth. I've coated them with a little grease for now until I actually use them in a few days.

Before

After

I couldn't get the camera to focus well in the second picture, but you can see the difference.

Justin

 

[TTTTTT]

I liked using steel wool and a bit of oil when I did mine. Worked great. You may get a little more off and get a little smoother.

Dave

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Nice job. Eventually, you will tear the rod seals up. But, for now, you should be fine. Don't even worry about it.

 

[20 20]

I agree with Wayne County Hose

Looks like you really had to use some elbow grease, how long did it take you?

 

[ParkerFly]

Not as long as I thought it would, maybe an hour or a little more total. I went at it as hard as I could though trying to get it done. I may go back this winter when it's in storage with the steel wool and oil to see what more I can get off.

Justin

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Justin, sometimes, less is more. I wouldn't go crazy on this. You aren't going to eliminate your problem with crokus cloth. Those rods are shot, you aren't going to save them. If you have no protrusions, I would leave it alone. Just my humble opinion.

Andy