Proper Bike Bicycle Chrome Derusting and Cleaning

[kalburiumstormbreath]

Steel wool will take off the rust but it also removes the thin layer of chrome leaving it to rust even more. I guess if it's already rust though there's now harm.

[Begbucks]

@kalburiumstormbreath Yes it does if it is course enough but finer wool is usually not an issue. Also the lubricants in the derusting media shall act as rust inhibitors embedding their anti-corrosive proprieties in the steel.

But yes any friction shall remove some off the patina, thats a given.

[kalburiumstormbreath]

@Begbucks What do you use for a derusting media? Like a chrome polish? I'm restoring an old bike and I'm thinking some Chrome polish with some tin foil will work.

[Begbucks]

@kalburiumstormbreath WD-40 or any similar catalyst.

[puchmanlenny]

Hi I have the best luck with copper . it looks like steel wool only made copper. you can also buy copper brushes of various sizes . they won't scratch. and will get into all the nucks and crannys... Leo

[Begbucks]

@puchmanlenny The same stuff tweakers use?

[PLBIV]

haha i was just using plain ol' reynolds tin foil.... just rip a piece off and either fold it a couple times, of just crumble it into a ball... seems to work for me

[Begbucks]

@PLBIV I'll try some, if you want to make a vid I'll accept a response. Anyway; thanks for the tip!

[PLBIV]

you don't even need the steel wool... try using aluminum foil

[Begbucks]

@PLBIV Yes that also works on light rust but the trick is finding foil that is durable enough to withstand scrubbing, or else it will disintegrate like a paper towel lol.

Any particular brand that you are content with?

[Kindahuge]

Thanks a lot for the video!

[Begbucks]

@Kindahuge np...

[Psycho4her]

Is that an early 80's Schwinn Le Tour?

[Begbucks]

@Psycho4her I believe so.

[overether]

Great tip! Will work awesome on the light rust of the beauty I just got. 3 speed jc Higgins.

[Begbucks]

@overether Anywhere there is no pitting of the Chrome present. I used this on moderately rusty rims. I'll demonstrate the limits in another video in due time.

[UKEdenis]

it's good for surface rust, ot for for the rest

[Begbucks]

@UKEdenis As implied.

[Begbucks]

@HalSka8 Sandpaper is best for paint, wire brush on a electric drill & steel wool works best on bike chrome.

[Begbucks]

@HalSka8 I find that sandpaper is too course to prevent chipping delicate chrome but WD-40 is a staple. The Steel wool, especially the copper Brillo junkies use ;) is ideal.

[adrianhardy123]

Yeah I guess

[Begbucks]

@adrianhardy123 Yes that is better & pricier lol

[adrianhardy123]

Don't mad but use the brow kind not the clear or metal ones it will scratch it and use brown wool no. Afence

[Begbucks]

@adrianhardy123 You mean the brass Brillo?

[IceGrill]

Thank you for this video. I had a bike that had undergone rust from sitting in a bike rack for a few months, and this method saved me time and money. Thanks, again!

[Begbucks]

@IceGrill Thanks, glad I could help keep that chrome brand spanking new! When I obtain a better 1080p camera I'll offer more in-depth, detailed bicycle repair as well based on my credentials.

[jefffrench1]

WD40 will dry out the nipple threads.

[Begbucks]

@jefffrench1 Thats true, however on a corroded "Steel" wheel I wouldn't worry too much, you know.

[KISSarmyist]

Also tinfoil works... Fold it up and rub just like your wipeing your ass.. No scratches and no mess.

[Begbucks]

@KISSarmyist I have to try that that some time, thanks for the tip!

[rctrucknut]

Thanks for the tip bro, I will try that on the vintage schwinn stingray I am working on.

[Begbucks]

@rctrucknut Cool, let me know how you make out

[Begbucks]

soap won't do anything, the steel wool won't scratch the chrome JUST MAKE SURE THAT THE WOOL IS FINE GRIT LIKE I SHOW & also the rim/spokes are NOT painted (I've cleaned hundreds of bikes/wheels this way with no problems - it's safe,

also make sure that you use some WD-40 as a lubricant & than wipe down, you can add wax if you wish

If the Chrome is pitted though or badly rusted this process won't do much for you but based on what you describe I'm 80% sure it will)

[dmc081]

i tried cleaning it with soap and i tried rubbing it nothing

[dmc081]

i have a lowrider bike and my rim spokes are not shiny anymore like they used to be doesn't this scratch the chrome because i have a show bike and im scared to do this

[Begbucks]

glad you like it

[Eric209Cali]

Nice!