Thread: creating rusty nails

Originally Posted by Tonyz

have been asked to 'restore' bring back to life another blanket box. This one has rusty working hinges held onto timber by rusty nails, there are a few missing and research has informed me that sanding galv off clouts and then soaking clout nails in hydrogen peroxide and adding salt will do the job.

If anyone has another idea please advise.

Meanwhile I doubt that 3% peroxide from chemist/supermarket will do the job and as I'll only need .5 litre where do I go to buy such?

You should be able to get 6% from a pharmacy but I doubt that will still be strong enough.

Try a ladies hairdresser or hairdresser supplies as they used to use a much stronger Peroxide - I can't remember the strength. If you do get the very strong stuff be careful handling it as it will "burn" (white patches) so wear gloves. DAMHIK. If you do happen to burn the skin rub glycerin into it.

You used to be able to buy up to 18% peroxide at hairdressing supplies places, not sure if that would still be possible. My wife seems to think that 9% should be available at the pharmacy, you might have to ask for it though as it may only be available from behind the counter. Would nails from old pallets or other discarded timber items not be suitable?

thanks guys, will give local hairdressers ago, feel very awkward with a no.2 haircut walking into one of those other look at me fancy Nancy places
I would need to find rusted nails all the same size if I went the pallet way. will keep my eyes out.
When I get them I was thinking of gluing up the old nail holes then punching 'restored ones' in while glue was still setting. think araldite would do the job.

Obviously generating rusty nails will take time, but you could fake them? ie assembling as per usual, then punch them slightly below the surface then epoxy rusty nail head to them? You could easily get a a supply from any salvage yard or similar.

Originally Posted by Tonyz

have been asked to 'restore' bring back to life another blanket box. This one has rusty working hinges held onto timber by rusty nails, there are a few missing and research has informed me that sanding galv off clouts and then soaking clout nails in hydrogen peroxide and adding salt will do the job.

If anyone has another idea please advise.

Meanwhile I doubt that 3% peroxide from chemist/supermarket will do the job and as I'll only need .5 litre where do I go to buy such?

400mL 12% H202 is available on ebay - it aint cheap but it does work really well. Even 3% will work but it will be really sloooooow.

H2O2.jpgInitApp.jpg

Its weakly nodded rust so you will need multiple applications.

BTW if you boil the rusted stuff in distilled water the steel will turn black.
You have to remove the loose blackened rust and repeat the process multiple times.
This is after 6X
6tgpass.jpg

Curious, what is the purpose of making those items black/boiling it in distilled water? Is the black outer layer protective?

yikes, now starting to wonder if I dont simply replace the rusted hinges with nice brass ones and the same with the nails, Its only a cheap blanket box I picked off the gutter and plan on selling it when done.

Originally Posted by Tonyz

thanks guys, will give local hairdressers ago, feel very awkward with a no.2 haircut walking into one of those other look at me fancy Nancy places
I would need to find rusted nails all the same size if I went the pallet way. will keep my eyes out.
When I get them I was thinking of gluing up the old nail holes then punching 'restored ones' in while glue was still setting. think araldite would do the job.

Don't be shy... just walk in and tell them you want your nails done!

Originally Posted by qwertyu

Curious, what is the purpose of making those items black/boiling it in distilled water? Is the black outer layer protective?

yes, the black outer layer is black iron oxide which is rust resistant.
There are Any ways to achieve this and H2O2 + salt is just one.

There are several threads on this topic in the metK WORK SECTION
Here is one
More metal bluing

Are you near the beach, a bucket of salt water should do it.

couple of days ago I grabbed some old pallets for another job drr rusty nails to my hearts content

Originally Posted by Tonyz

couple of days ago I grabbed some old pallets for another job drr rusty nails to my hearts content

Killed two stones with the one bird.

Sorry, Tony, but this thread has really raised the hackles on the back of my neck.

I just cannot reconcile "hinge" and "nails" - I tried, and failed. All my instincts say to use screws or even bolts.

Now I have offended my sense of authenticity.

OK, it's your problem, not mine!

Greame, there ya go with half a roll of electrical tape to show reality.

I am now adding arildite to the holes pushing the nails in then after 48 hours will cut excess nail off.