If your business relies on military-grade fasteners, the last thing you want is to have them ruined by rust. Just a small buildup of rust can stop your machinery from working properly. Not only that, but rust can prevent proper movement of your hardware. In some cases, you can prevent rust problems by switching to plastic fasteners. However, plastic fasteners aren't always advisable. In fact, plastic fasteners can present a safety hazard when used under certain conditions. When metal fasteners are absolutely required, you've got to do your best to prevent rust deposits. Here are four ways to stop rust in its tracks.
Reach for the Steel Wool
If you've got rust on your fasteners, and it's preventing your machinery from working properly, it's time to reach for the steel wool. Steel wool is an excellent tool for getting rid of surface rust. Simply grab a handful of steel wool and sand the rust away. For hard-to-reach areas, and stubborn rust buildup, you might need to apply a bit more force to the process. However, the steel wool will remove the rust so that your machinery will work properly again.
Give Them a Peroxide Bath
If you've opened your storage bin only to find that your fasteners have rusted, don't throw them out. Discarding your rusted hardware is wasting money that could be put to better use. After all, once you discard your rusted fasteners, you'll be forced to restock your supply. You don't need to do that. All you need to do is give your rusted fasteners a peroxide bath. Fill a heavy-duty plastic container with hydrogen peroxide and place your fasteners in the liquid. Leave the fasteners to soak over night and then scrub them with a wire brush the next morning. The peroxide bath will dissolve the rust and leave your fasteners clean and ready to use.
Keep Them Sealed Against Moisture
Once you've removed all the rust from your fasteners, you'll need to prevent future buildups. One way to do that is with an application of a protective sealant. Applying a protective coating each time you remove rust from a fastener will protect the fasteners, and keep your machinery working properly.
Replace When Necessary
There may be times when cleaning the rust off your fasteners simply isn't an option. When that's the case, it's best to replace them altogether. Replacing your rusty fasteners will prevent work-stopping malfunctions.
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