which product can I use to get rid of the rust on my rigging?

[vyv_cox]

A question for Vyv Cox really - would you be concerned about Hydrogen embrittlement if you saw acid being used on rigging wire and fittings? I've always avoided using acids on any structural steel parts since I became aware of it.

Hydrogen embrittlement is a largely mis-understood phenomenon that occurs in highly hardened, medium and high carbon alloy steels. Although we are warned of it in Grade 70 chain all my studies suggest that this material is nowhere near hard enough for it to be a problem. I have yet to hear of a proven case of it in these chains. So it is highly unlikely (I would say impossible) in the 300 grade stainless steel from which rigging components are made.

300 stainless steel is acid pickled for passivation purposes, using nitric and hydrofluoric acids. There is no risk of hydrogen embrittlement with these processes and my own regular use of hydrochloric acid has had no negative effect.

 

[JimC]

Spotless Stainless

+1 but needs 20c to function properly.

Not much use at Whitehaven then.

https://www.weather2visit.com/europe/united-kingdom/whitehaven.htm

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

Hydrogen embrittlement is a largely mis-understood phenomenon that occurs in highly hardened, medium and high carbon alloy steels. Although we are warned of it in Grade 70 chain all my studies suggest that this material is nowhere near hard enough for it to be a problem. I have yet to hear of a proven case of it in these chains. So it is highly unlikely (I would say impossible) in the 300 grade stainless steel from which rigging components are made.

300 stainless steel is acid pickled for passivation purposes, using nitric and hydrofluoric acids. There is no risk of hydrogen embrittlement with these processes and my own regular use of hydrochloric acid has had no negative effect.

Thanks for that Vyv. I had suddenly remembered it a few years ago as I drove home from collecting a bucket of nuts, bolts and screws that I'd had plated - a lot of which were for brakes and suspension of car I was restoring. (All HT and high carbon, so now just look lovely but not used for their intended purpose). I shall worry about it a little less!