How to remove rust from lures

[tly]

I had an incident this last year where several tackle boxes became submerged. I removed everything, threw out lure boxes and spread all out on towels to dry. I should have maybe used a hairblower or something but never thought of it.

I now have a goodly number of rapalas, cleos and other lures which are showing rust on the hooks. Any clue how to remove this rust?

I submitted insurance for all but tackle and have long since been paid and covered the restoration services so I don't have anything there to look forward to.

Thanks

TLY

[Toolman]

tly,

I'd probably just replace the hooks. Gamakatsu Extra Wide Gap, Mustad Triple Grip, or Eagle Claw Wide Gaps will give you a better hook than the stock ones and will only cost you less than $1/lure (2 hooks) and a little time.

Tim

[ETT]

Try some WD40 & steelwool, probably get them to a usable state without too much trouble.

I WOULD HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE TOOLMAN ON THIS ONE.(NEW HOOKS ARENT EXPENSIVE COMPARED TO BUYING NEW LURES). BUT I HAVE HEARD RUMORS THAT COCA-COLA REMOVES RUST RATHER WELL. MAYBE AFTER, A DOSE OF SODA THEN YOU CAN USE WD-40. I WOULD THINK YOU COULD BY A RUST REMOVAL SOLVENT.

I did the same last year but didn't realize the boxes where wet. The lures looked pretty bad as the rust from the hooks got on the lures themselves. I took all the rusty hooks off and washed each lure with Super Rust Out, (the laundry detergent additive) With a little scrubbing the lures cleaned up very well. I also used the mixture to brighten up other lures that have bounced around in the plastic trays for years. I was worried that the scent from the washing might render the lures ineffective, so I put them into a plastic bag with some Berkeley scented power worms for a week. After the stay in the scent I replace the hooks with new. I have used and caught fish with these lures since the accident, so the washing didn't seem to hurt.

[tly]

Thanks guys,
The hook exchange on Cleos is a piece of cake. Bucktails are also easy. Rapala's I can do also. But maybe I will leave them as as far as hooks and just try to kill rust.

Thanks

TLY

[ETT]

One word of caution using laundry products designed for rust removal.... READ THE DIRECTION CAREFULLY!!! Some will cause serious problems if they come into contact with skin.

Good luck.