help, rusty needles

[Bug]

Hi there

I was handed a bunch of knitting needles since I have just learned to knit.
Some of the needles are a little bit rusty which I know is bad for the yarn as it can snag.

Does anyone know a good way to clean the rust of needles or are they only fit for the bin?

[Susan P.]

I would give them a light rub over with a scouring pad and see whether the rust was actually bubbling the metal or not once you get past the surface. If it isn't you can use a metal scourer to get simple rust spots off but do it lightly and then you can use a light grade sandpaper all over - just ever so lightly. You can then coat with a clear lacquer or similar if you think they'll catch after having been sanded. You can get spray lacquer of course. You just need to try and ensure a coating is even.

If the metal is really bubbling I would probably use them for garden stakes.

There ARE rust chemicals of course - same as used on cars etc but they're pretty volatile etc and I would avoid. The lacquer is good in the sense of preventing air getting to the metal which in part causes the rusting - like sea air etc. I think some really old metal needles were alloys and just not that strong etc and they were susceptible to rust.

[phisch]

You might want to try rubbing them with a small piece of aluminum foil, shiny side to the rusty bits.

That works for removing a little bit of rust from stainless steel. I tried it on our old oven and it helped.

[noejusti]

I don't know what is available near you, but you can also try rust remover. We have a product called "C.L.R" which stands for calcium/lime/rust and is good for removing deposits. I have used it to take rust spots off of eating utensils. That may help.

v.