Simple recommendations on how to remove rust using a salt battery

Rust not only spoils the appearance of a metal product, but also reduces its service life.

A corroded surface quickly deteriorates, so signs of rot must be removed immediately after they appear.

You can cope with this task using a salt battery. Read the article on how to properly remove rust using a battery.

Does it help in removing rusty deposits?

Many motorists know that a battery is a tool in the fight against rust. They are the ones who most often use this energy source in such an unconventional way.

When will it help?

The battery will help cope with rust if it is salted. The body of such devices consists of 99.9% zinc, thanks to which the galvanization process will be successful.

In this case, it will be possible not only to remove the rust, but also to prevent its reappearance. To understand that the battery is salt, you need to examine the packaging. It must contain appropriate instructions.

In what case will it fail?

If you use a battery whose body is not made of zinc, you will not be able to deal with rust. Also, the method will be ineffective if you do not follow the instructions for use. Violation of the sequence of actions is the main reason for failures.

Pros and cons of using

Advantages of use rust remover batteries:

1. The ability to stop the spread of the process, and not just clean off the rust.
2. Ease of use in hard-to-reach areas, such as seams or edges of the car body.
3. Easy to use.
4. Low cost.
5. Availability of all materials for implementing the method in free access.

The main disadvantage of metal processing using a battery is the time required. It will be difficult to clear large areas this way.

How to get rid of it: instructions for use

To remove rust from a metal surface using a battery, The following materials will be required:

• orthophosphoric acid — it is this that forms the basis of all rust converters; you can purchase it in radio stores or on the Internet;
• salt finger battery - for processing you will need 2 or 3 pieces;
• cotton pads;
• copper wire with crocodile grips, wire cross-section – 1.5-2.5 m2;
• solvent - it will be used to degrease the surface;
• electrical tape or rubber bands, which are used for wrapping paper bills;
• alkaline solution - to prepare it, baking soda in the amount of 2 tablespoons is diluted in a glass of water.

The container must be glass. The zinc will dissolve, thanks to which it will be possible to obtain a high-quality composition for galvanization.

It is necessary to peel off the protective film from the battery and wrap it tightly with bare wire (about 10 cm). This contact is secured with electrical tape.The bottom of the battery is wrapped with a cotton pad and secured in the same way. After this, you can proceed to the process of getting rid of rust.

Procedure:

1. Remove rust mechanically using a brush.
2. Treat the surface with a solvent.
3. They turn off the “+” on the battery, and leave the “-” on, which creates a negative charge on the body.
4. Apply phosphoric acid to the affected area.
5. Connect the alligator clip to the positive side of the battery.
6. Dip the side covered with a cotton pad into the acid and press it against the rust. Positively charged zinc ions will transfer to the metal surface and form a kind of barrier. Cotton pads must be replaced with new ones, as they will deteriorate during operation. You need to repeat the procedure several times. The fact that galvanization was successful will be indicated by lightening of the treated area.

After completing the procedure, the surface is washed with soda solution to completely neutralize the acid. The cleaned metal is treated with a solvent and primed. Thanks to the galvanization procedure, rust will not appear on the surface for a long time.

Safety regulations

Since rust removal work involves the use of acid, it is necessary to take care to comply with safety regulations.

If even a small amount of acid comes into contact with the skin during the procedure, it should be immediately washed with clean water. You cannot start work without personal protective equipment.

Adviсe

Information that may be useful when removing rust using a battery:

1. Simply touching the metal surface with the battery is not enough. It needs to be pressed and held for several minutes. Only in this way will zinc transfer to the surface damaged by corrosion and create a protective film.
2. Before starting the procedure, the metal must be cleaned and degreased.
3. The completion of the treatment should be washing the galvanized surface with an alkaline solution. If this is not done, phosphoric acid will quickly destroy the protective layer.

Video on the topic of the article

This video will show you how to remove rust from a car using a salt battery:

Conclusion

An ordinary battery in the right hands can become a real rust-fighting tool. This method is good because it not only allows you to get rid of corrosion, but also prevents its reappearance. The cost of such work is minimal, which is why many motorists use the galvanization method.