How can I restore an old key?

Question

I found a key about 100 years old, it's rusty but I'd like to restore it, what should I do or where should I take it?

Answer 1

Whoa! take it easy. there are people that collect such items. do not do a thing to it, find such a collector and ask them. often doing anything to it at all will screw it up. you neglected to say how bad the problem is, just a little rusty or nearly gone from the rust. Like any other antique, do nothing until you are sure what you are doing is the correct thing. Maybe, it is some rare pattern or something and removing the rust by any of the methods mentioned will mess it up. only thing i would do is seal it in one of those vacuum seal machines. no air, no more rusting.

Answer 2

It's a key not a antique set of china. A bench grinder with wire wheel will do the job. If you don't have one start with a wire brush and finish with steel wool. Lightly oil to prevent rust from comming back,or spray with a clear laquer.

Answer 3

Soak it in dish of coca cola for a couple of nights and clean with some emery cloth it will look good as new.

Answer 4

put it in solvernt that cleans rust off things..can probably pick something up at Home Depot or Lowes

Answer 5

coca cola is the go