I use white vinegar to throw all my old bolts off of a parts truck. After a couple of days run them under water and a small hand brush rinse it off. If they need a little more I throw them back in. Other wise I throw them in a bucket of water and some baking soda to neutralize the vinegar. Then I bring most of it to a local plating shop and have them zinc plated. Many of them look like brand new. I had about 2 1/2 gallons of nuts and bolts that cost me between $25-$30.
I did find out what not to put in vinegar. I had a beautiful rear view mirror made of pot metal or aluminum. After it was in for a couple of days, much of it had disintigrated and formed into a huge foam ball on top of the vinegar.
Last edited by Builder; 02/17/2015 7:49 PM.
