Share
If you own an air compressor, then it is important to keep the tank from rusting. Rust can damage your tank and lead to all sorts of problems that could cost you a lot of money down the line. In this blog post, we will explore different ways on how to keep air compressor tanks from rusting and save yourself some time and money!
How To Keep Air Compressor Tank From Rusting
Method 1: Remove the Rust with Acid
This step requires a lot of care and should be done in a well-ventilated area. Moreover, you should wear gloves, safety glasses, and a mask.
Remove the rust with a wire brush. Use an acid solution to remove stubborn marks and stains from your air compressor tank.
The best kind of acids you can use are oxalic or hydrochloric ones, but keep in mind that these chemicals require special handling. Do not allow any acid spillover to reach painted areas because it will eat through them as well! Neutralize the acid by adding baking soda until the bubbling stops
Method 2: Sand the Rust
After you have removed all excess rust, sand off any remaining marks, you can use coarse-grit paper for this task and work in small areas at a time. The more uniform your surface is after sanding it down, the better!
A great option to substitute sandpaper with is steel wool because it has an abrasive effect on rusted surfaces due to its high number of metal fibers. However, if there are still some visible stains leftover even when using these methods, repeat them until they disappear completely.
Method 3: Use Dish Soap To Neutralize Acid Residue
Many acids will leave behind unpleasant smells as well as acidic residue that can seep into holes cracks and cause further damage.
To neutralize these remains, use dish soap and warm water. Simply apply it to your air compressor tank with a sponge or paper towel and wait for the bubbles to go away. This indicates that all of the acids have been removed from their surface!
Method 4: Apply Oil
Take an oil specifically designed for tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, etc., which have metal parts exposed on their surfaces so they can be lubricated when necessary.
Drizzle some of it onto a soft cloth and wipe off any excess residue around gas tanks because if left there, it will attract more dust particles over time. However, make sure you do not put too much of this product because doing so may clog up holes in your tool!
Method 5: Remove Rust with a Screwdriver
If you are short on time, try this quick fix. Simply use an abrasive material like sandpaper to remove rust from your compressor tank and then lubricate it with WD-40 or some other kind of oil, so the dust doesn’t stick back onto its surface.
However, if there are still stains left behind after you have used the tools mentioned above, do not apply them until they disappear completely because doing so will only lengthen the process.
Keep in mind that by using this method, paint is likely going to be scratched off due to high friction between the screwdriver’s metal point and the air compressor tank.
Method 6: Use Electrolysis
This solution works best when there is a small layer of rust on your air compressor tank. However, it requires the use of an external power source in order to work properly!
One way you can easily do this is by using jumper cables and connecting them between two metal items (such as nails) that are not part of or attached to your gas tank.
Connect one end of each cable into fresh batteries that have been placed inside their respective compartments because when they come in contact with water present around a rusty surface, hydrogen will be released from its cathode (one battery terminal) while oxygen will appear at the anode (other battery terminals).
As soon as bubbles emerge within the vicinity, move objects closer together, so more bubbles form, allowing for a better transfer rate! Keep doing this until the rust is dissolved, and then wipe the area with a sponge or paper towel to remove any excess water.
Method 7: Use Sandblasting Machine
This method can provide the best results when the air compressor tank has been severely rusted. It requires professional equipment so if you do not have access to one, try out other options listed above instead!
You will need abrasive materials such as sand in order for this whole process to work properly – simply place them inside your sandblasting machine’s container and let it rip!
From there on, all you have got to do is wait because after several minutes go by, most of the rust around gas tanks should disappear without a trace. However, if some stains still remain even after performing these methods over and over again, use the sandblasting machine once more because it can remove any existing damage!
Method 8: Use Electrolysis With Molasses
This method is also known as the “sugar cure” and works best when you want to clean rust that has formed on metal surfaces. The molasses work by attracting hydrogen ions (which are responsible for causing oxidation) found within rusted objects, making them dissolve into water much like how salt does.
All you need to do is pour two cups of blackstrap molasses onto your air compressor tank along with one cup of hot water, mix everything around well, so all parts are covered in this mixture equally, then leave overnight until bubbling stops completely. Bubbles indicate a reaction between molasses’ sugars and hydrogen ions found within rusted surfaces of your tool.
Method 9: Use Baking Soda Paste
This method is extremely simple, all you need to do is mix water with baking soda until it takes on a paste-like consistency, apply this mixture onto a rusty surface using a sponge or paper towel, then rinse everything off after several minutes go by.
If some stains still remain even after performing these methods, use the sandblasting machine once more because it can remove any existing damage!
In conclusion, keeping your air compressor tank clean and free of rust is extremely important for prolonging this machine’s lifespan, so if you want to learn how to do just that, be sure to follow all tips mentioned above. Just remember to be careful and wear protective gear such as safety goggles and gloves at all times!
0 Comments