Cleaning scratch awl, set square, saw and screw driver

Don't know much about the history of these but thought I would try and clean then up with steel wool and sand paper and then use Danish oil to protect them. I would really like to use them all again so appreciate any advice on doing a better job.

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The gents saw, awl and square are all pretty standard items and and although not likely real old are still good tools. The screw driver is US army design and a good find. I think they were a in the tool kits of the army jeeps.
As to cleaning it's a case of getting the rust off without doing more damage than necessary. The saw will need a bit more work. I use a fine wet and dry paper say 240 or 360 grit and WD40 to scrub the blade. You get a brown slurry from the rust. Wipe that off and repeat. when you no longer get the brown slurry the rust is mostly gone. I then wipe the blade with 3 in 1 oil to keep the rust at bay. It will then need a sharpen and set. There are hundreds of how toos and utube clips on restoring saws and old tools on line also past threads on this site. Not sure about the Danish Oil as it sets and may be a problem later. Ok on the wood bits however. Good to see old tools get a second chance.
Regards
John

Looks good Blackout. I also find it hard to resist picking up bargain priced shabby old tools with shapely handles or brass accents, especially squares with their varied brass trimmings that shine up so nicely. I usually use boiled linseed oil on wood, sometimes a shellac finish, and paste wax final coat on everything. Hard to determine their history unless you can find some Manufacturer markings during the cleanup, so I usually have a good look with a magnifier as the cleaning progresses (squares can have name stamps on the blade, or in the wood). Often a couple of hours work on an old tool will increase its value by $5 or $10 ! :UAttachment 446612

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Originally Posted by kwigly

Looks good Blackout. I also find it hard to resist picking up bargain priced shabby old tools with shapely handles or brass accents, especially squares with their varied brass trimmings that shine up so nicely. I usually use boiled linseed oil on wood, sometimes a shellac finish, and paste wax final coat on everything. Hard to determine their history unless you can find some Manufacturer markings during the cleanup, so I usually have a good look with a magnifier as the cleaning progresses (squares can have name stamps on the blade, or in the wood). Often a couple of hours work on an old tool will increase its value by $5 or $10 ! :UAttachment 446612

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Ssshhh ... I tell my wife "Look how much money I saved by not buying this new" :) Don't tell her I'm working for $5/hr