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Thread: starrett square restoration

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    eastern, ct
    Posts
    49

    starrett square restoration

    I've been building a shed and used my starrett square while doing it. One too many times i left it outside with my tools when it was too damp and it's got some rust, worst on the protractor head. What's the most gentle way to remove it? Is soaking in vinegar strong enough without causing pitting like the boeshield rust remover would do? How do i enhance the markings again? Are they just painted black?

  2. #2
    If the rust is light, I've used a deburring wheel to remove the rust. I've never gotten one of my combination squares rusty enough to use something like EvapoRust.

    Can't help with the rule. Never had one really bad rusted.

    Mike
    Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    In the foothills of the Sandia Mountains
    Posts
    16,619
    If it's just light surface rust, grey Scotch-Brite and a little elbow grease will make it like new.
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    "It's paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn't appeal to anyone."
    Andy Rooney



  4. #4
    If you really want to give it a new look and life, send it back to Starrett for refurbishment.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Winterville, NC (eastern NC)
    Posts
    2,360
    Found a high quality square at a flea market a couple of years ago, with a light rust coating. Fine steel wool and WD-40 will do the trick. Try not to get too aggressive with a wire wheel on the grinder if that is what you will use.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    E TN, near Knoxville
    Posts
    12,298
    My Starrett squares have a wonderful satin finish which is easy to read. I’m imagining anything moderately abrasive would affect that surface. Maybe gentle random sanding with 600 or finer grit paper?

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