Removing rust from pickup poles

[Radiobass81]

In an earlier thread, this was a secondary topic, but it's really starting to irk me. Seeing rust on my 'Ray just isn't right...

How can I (safely) remove it? I've heard of nail polish preventing it, but since it already has some, I need to remove it first, and what not...

Any help?

[EADG]

I was told to use a scrub pad, but I tried that and it didn't work. It basically just scratches the poles and now it looks rusted and scratched.

[Radiobass81]

Yeah, I tried that as well, to no effect :(.

[EADG]

So umm.. something that actually works... anyone?

[Radiobass81]

I googled before making the thread, and all I could find was ways NOT to remove it :upset:.

[the101er]

Try gun oil and a penny, it's what I use to remove rust from the outside of the barrel on my air rifle

:thumb:

[Son of Magni]

I would use #600 emery paper. It will polish it to almost a mirror surface.

[darrell]

From the FAQ on kinman.com... this isn't your pickup specifically, but they are all alike. Made of metal, magnetic, etc.

Don't use steel wool because little pieces break off and stick to the magnets. An ordinary kitchen scourer with care and vigour will clean rust without damaging anything else, (but be careful not to rub the black bobbin surface too much). After cleaning thoroughly apply a light coat or two of clear nail lacquer (polish).

Good luck.

Edit: I realized it said Scrub Pad above... I don't know if it's the same thing.

[apacherosepeacock]

i used a very fine piece of sandpaper - it was meant for preparing metal for polishing but im not too sure of the exact details, and then polished it using duraglit (its a metal polish which comes in wadding form - like cotton wool but thicker) a few times, came up pretty well.

Depends how deep the rust has gone - its possible to use a file, etc to take it off just as long as your careful... aslong as you dont knock it around too much or take too much off it shouldnt be a problem. Aslong as its now being kept in good condition so that no more rust should form just do the best you can and then dress it slightly - little bit of oil on it, etc to prevent any further moisture from getting in. It might be something you just have to live with and prevent from getting any worse - instead of risking doing something drastic to get it off

[Radiobass81]

It's not that I take bad care of it (or atleast I believe it's not that). It's just that the humidity in Puerto Rico doesn't help at all.

[zink182]

well.. you could use really really fine sandpaper and then use something to make a finish on the pole pieces.. kinda tough :/

[nopicks4me]

id just take out the poles and then use steel wool. but dont listen to be i screw alot of things up

[Az_Holl]

This is why i cover my pickups with electrical tape.

[WhoDidTheElf]

How does the neck hold up in the humidity? I've heard humidity can send a neck to hell.

As for main subject. I've used (on my Squire Strat) really fine sand paper, like 1500-2000 grit, and go over it lightly till it comes off.

[backsidetailslide]

i use WD40 to clean rust off of my bike

[TheBassman238]

i use WD40 to clean rust off of my bike

But that will collect dust and other dirts like crazy... its very attractive to small/light particals such as dust and dirt...

-TBM

[Blk-Widow]

cleaning rust off the poles on a pickup sounds somthing i wouldnt wanna tinker with id take it to the music shop round you and see wut they have to say about it and how much theyll charge for it (the manager at mine would probably do it for free but ive been friend with him for round a year).

[Alma]

How does the neck hold up in the humidity? I've heard humidity can send a neck to hell.

As for main subject. I've used (on my Squire Strat) really fine sand paper, like 1500-2000 grit, and go over it lightly till it comes off.

I think I'd be quite bad if the humidity isn't consistant.

One day here a few weeks ago we had a really humid day, my SR5's neck bent quite alot. I was very concerned, but I let it be and the days started to cool down and the neck went back to where it was.

[Polyamarous]

Isn't this the sort of thing that a nearby shop would be able to do?

[darrell]

Isn't this the sort of thing that a nearby shop would be able to do?

It's probably a money thing... Shops can do everything, but most of us don't have that kind of money.

[Son of Magni]

I just had another thought. This might work well and be completely safe. Try cleaning them off with a pen eraser :smoke: