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Salt water rust corrosion on cast steel chuck

We have just received a new 60" diameter cast steel chuck from Taiwan. The Cosmoline protector was apparently applied too lightly and somewhere in transit has acquired surface rust....this is a relatively rough surface and it has machined components that we don't want to compromise the finish on.....is there something out there in the form of a chemical that can quickly clean a metal surface of rust without using abrasive pads, etc. in conjunction with it to make this chuck look good again? Thanks

Richard C Davis
- St. Paul, Minnesota
2006

It would have to go through a thorough solvent cleaning, alkaline cleaning and acid pickling to remove the heavy oxides, then a neutralizing step and thorough rinse and dry. This involves regulated and harsh chemicals, safety and health issues. Somewhat messy for a company not dedicated to surface finishing of large parts. An option would be to find a hard chrome plater in town and let him just clean it.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2006

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I've had good luck cleaning up rusted iron parts with HCl(Muriatic (pool)acid) Just be sure you wash it off out side(fumes) and immediately coat it with oil(or it will re-rust before your eyes).Be careful and don't get any on you(it burns)

Paul Salassi
- Groveton, Texas
2006

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I would think that naval jelly ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] would be a good option. I would also use some fine scotchbrite pads with it to smooth out some of the roughness with a very minor amount of metal removal. A lot is going to depend on the amount (thickness) of the rust. It will leave a slight amount of corrosion resistance also. Follow the instructions. It is a weak acid.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006