Cleaning a multi

tattoosteve99 · **on:** July 17, 2021, 05:03:26 AM

Besides using a ultrasonic cleaner, which I don’t have. How would clean rust and dirt off a multi without damaging the finish? Dirt is somewhat easy, but rust, well that’s tough.

Echotech · **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2021, 05:08:15 AM

Funnily enough I’m just about to start cleaning a LM Pulse Steve.

Will be using mostly WD40, a brass bristle wire brush and on any really stubborn rust some rust remover.

Once cleaned up will use some Vic knife oil on the joints and a thin coat of mineral oil. Have had great success on some pretty poor condition knives and MT’s with this method in the past

This one’s not too bad but have cleaned some really poor ones like this

Syncop8r · **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2021, 05:35:52 AM

I normally remove rust from things like old axe heads by soaking in vinegar. It didn't remove much off an MP400 I cleaned up.
As far as damaging the finish, perhaps I did? Bear in mind that the rust has already damaged the surface.

parnass · **Reply #3 on:** July 17, 2021, 09:26:15 PM

I use Evapo-rust liquid to remove rust from things, especially from hand tools. It contains no harmful chemicals.

See https://evapo-rust.com/

tattoosteve99 · **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2021, 07:22:07 PM

So these methods have not damaged the surface finish? I know rust spots will but I don’t want spots on a nice multi

Not sure about evaporust? I’ve used that and it works great but it also darkens the steel.

Syncop8r · **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2021, 10:52:35 PM

Vinegar will eat away at the surface if left too long, but then I wouldn't use it again just for spots of rust.
Sandpaper will scratch so the finer the better.