Tool for removing minor rust on trailer chassis?

[TimC]

Can you recommend a tool for removing surface rust from a trailer chassis? I have an old Ryobi 4" grinder. Would one of those knotted cup brushes be too aggressive? I don't plan on removing all the paint, just the rusty spots. Maybe less than 10% of the area.

I'll use a rust reformer/killer/conditioner type product as a primer then brush on enamel as a finish coat.

Thanks, Tim

[pchast]

I've used an abrasive drill driven brush or wheel.
Effective and easier to handle than a wire wheel.

similar to:
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-80 ... rill+brush

[saltydawg]

If its just surface rust just use one of the converters that make it paintable. You want to knock off any flakey rust first.

[JunkMan]

I've never used the knotted cups, just the regular ones. Use what you have! I like flap discs too, but they will remove metal, where the wire cups will just remove the rust. They are nice for areas that will show since they leave a smooth finish.

[twisted lines]

Your plan is spot on!
Wire cup with Two hand's and don't be surprised if the little wires are stuck in your clothe's
Eye protection for everyone on the block.
May sand a little before primer and paint!
May cause cancer in California.

[TimC]

Thanks guys!

I don't have any type of wire brush for the 4" grinder. That thing screams at about 11k rpm and scares the bejesus out of me for anything but grinding a metal surface or cutting bolts. I can't imagine using a wire cup brush under the trailer upside down on my back.

I have a random orbit sander that is slower but it sounds like it might be too aggressive as well. I'll take a good look at the trailer before buying something else. The last job I did on my teardrop tongue I thought about buying one of those cup brushes for the grinder. But one day I just said the hell with it, I'm going to grab a regular wire brush and see what I can get done. In about fifteen minutes I had the tongue brushed down to bare metal where it needed to be and proceeded to clean and prime. The trailer chassis is a much bigger job, but, I feel that the welds at seams are the areas that most need to be cleaned and I'd have to do that with a hand brush anyway. We'll see how long it takes me to give up on that

[twisted lines]

HF has a cheap cup brush toss a few buck's for a Test
The Orbital loves that stuff I like 220 Grit.

[TimC]

HF has a cheap cup brush toss a few buck's for a Test
The Orbital loves that stuff I like 220 Grit.

I might pick up one of those. The one Pete linked to (above) has great reviews. We're not near a HF but could order online.

[Squigie]

Knotted brush is great until you need to get into the corners.
Then you'll have to go to a smaller tool or do it the old fashioned way, with a brush in hand.

If you want to strip to bare metal, Evapo-Rust Gel might be an option for vertical surfaces.
I'd still hit it with rust converter after the rinse, though.