Rusted Crowbar? Here's How To Restore It To Its Former Glory

A rusted crowbar doesn't have to end up in the junk heap. With some effort and the right tools, you can bring it back to life and make it a reliable part of your toolset once again. Whether the rust is light or heavy, there are methods to restore your crowbar effectively. The first part of restoring your crowbar is addressing the rust; next, you'll have to sharpen the tool and apply protective coating.

For corrosion that's light enough, start by using a steel brush to remove the surface rust. If you can attach the brush to a power drill, the process will be much easier, saving time and elbow grease while easily chewing off surface rust. Make sure to wear protective gear, including goggles and ear protection, and work in a well-ventilated space to avoid inhaling particles.

If you don't have the proper attachment, you can still scrub the crowbar manually using steel wool or a wire brush. Then, you can sand by hand for a more thorough cleaning. Begin by using a coarse-grit sandpaper and then transition to a finer grit for an even surface. Spend time on this step; cleaning as much rust off as possible will help you avoid a headache down the line.

Is the rust stain too heavy to tackle with a brush and sandpaper? A secret ingredient you can use to clean up rust that is more severe is vinegar, especially when paired with salt. This duo works beautifully for crowbars that are rusted through in areas that are hard to access. Just soak the crowbar in a solution of white vinegar and salt for a few hours (or even overnight) and then scrub it down with your steel brush. For stubborn rust that just won't budge, a chemical rust remover is another route to consider. Products like Evapo-Rust Non-Toxic Rust Remover penetrate rust quickly, but often emit fumes, so use caution when handling. You can have a look at a few more hacks for removing rust from your tools.

Once your crowbar is rust-free, the next step is to focus on sharpening and maintenance. If you use your crowbar for prying or chiseling, a file or grindstone can help you sharpen the ends. Make sure you maintain consistent movements to achieve a clean edge. As always, wear ear and eye protection when working with power tools or abrasive materials.

A genius trick to prevent metal from rusting is to apply a protective finish; that's the last step in your crowbar restoration efforts. If you plan to keep the crowbar somewhere that it might get damp, painting the shaft or applying lacquer can shield it from moisture. Avoid painting the functional ends, as the coating will likely chip and impair its performance. Alternatively, a corrosion inhibitor spray offers an easy way to protect against rust without altering the crowbar's appearance.