How to clean rust from diagonal cutting pliers

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Step 1 – Choose your chemicals!

Rust is a layer of iron oxide on top of the steel. If the rust has not corroded too far into the tool, the rust can be removed using household items. You need either lemon (or lime) and salt, or vinegar (apple cider is best but cheap white vinegar is fine too) and salt, or baking soda. An old toothbrush will also be useful.

Step 2 – Prepare your chemicals

Either mix salt and lemon (or lime) juice together into a thick liquid…

Step 3 – Apply the mixture

Cover the rusty parts of the tool with the chosen mixture and leave for a few hours or until the next day, depending on the extent of the rust.

Step 4 – Use the toothbrush

Use the toothbrush to rub the mixture into the tool and remove the rust gently. Using a wire brush or wire wool would scrape the rust of faster but could damage the metal underneath.

Step 5 – Repeat the process

Repeat Steps 2 to 4 as many times as needed to remove the rust. You can try a different mixture or leave the tool for longer so the mixture has longer to work if the rust is being particularly stubborn.

Step 6 – Wash the pliers

Wash the pliers with soap and water to remove the mixtures you have been using. They are all corrosive and will corrode the metal themselves if they are left on. Air dry the pliers or use a hair dryer to ensure they are completely dry afterwards.

Step 6 – Sharpen the blades

If the blades are blunt from corrosion you can sharpen them following the instructions on the How to sharpen diagonal cutting pliers blades page.

Step 7 – Rust-proof your tool!

Apply a thin layer of oil to cover the whole surface of the diagonal cutting pliers or use a corrosion inhibitor spray to prevent the rust returning. Make sure you work the oil into the joint.