Pianet T Rust Removal

[earlids]

Hello!  I just acquired a Pianet T and am looking for guidance with removing rust from tines.  Is it safe to use a product called "CLR"?  It says it removes calcium, lime, and rust.  Also, should I be oiling the tines afterward or should I just ensure they are dry to prevent further rusting?
Thanks for the help 

[sean]

I wonder if oiling the tines would interfere with the stickyness of the pianet pads.  If you do it, try it first on one and only one tine.  If the sticky pad still plucks the tine, then your next worry is the chemical interaction with the pad and the lubricant (or any solvent or propellent in the lubricant soup).  I don't think I would oil the tines. 


Scrubbing with CLR would probably work to remove some rust.  It won't leave the surface shiny and bright.
The MSDS says that CLR is lactic acid and a surfactant (lauramine oxide).

Tim recommends Evaporust.  https://ep-forum.com/smf/index.php?topic=4722.msg54767#msg54767
Evaporust is advertized as a chelating agent - it grabs the iron molecules from multiple sides.  I wonder if it is mostly EDTA.  The MSDS for Evaporust doesn't tell you what it is, except that the pH is 6.1 - so it is a mild acid.  The EPA and FDA say that EDTA is safe to play with and eat, so the Evaporust folks wouldn't have to state any danger on the MSDS.  But Evaporust could be some other chelating agent maybe.  Evaporust is available online.


There are other acids that work against rust:
Oxalic acid (Bar Keepers Friend)
Carbonic acid (baking soda)
Acetic acid (vinegar)
Phosphoric acid (Krud Kutter, Coca Cola)

The Oxalic acid products work well, but they will dull any shiny metal nearby.


Sean

[conke]

I'd say whatever you do, just go gentle, as any huge changes might require filing the reeds to tune them. Put emphasis on making sure the exact spot where the pad sits is clean. I wouldn't worry about oiling.