Have tools professionally sandblasted or restored

Take heavily rusted tools or metal items to a sandblasting service or tool restoration specialist. Sandblasting uses compressed air to propel abrasive media at the surface, stripping rust, old paint, and corrosion down to bare metal in minutes.

Why It Works

Sandblasting removes rust mechanically at high speed, reaching every surface including pits, threads, and crevices. Professional services have the equipment and containment systems to handle jobs that are impractical at home.

Tips

• Cost is typically $20-50 per item for small tools, $50-200+ for larger pieces like cast iron equipment
• Ask the shop to apply a rust-inhibiting primer immediately after blasting while the surface is clean
• Worth it for heavily rusted antique tools, cast iron stoves, or metal furniture where hand methods would take days
• Some shops offer media blasting with walnut shells or glass beads for gentler treatment on delicate items