Learn About the Dangers of Rust

Exposure to oxygen causes iron and its alloys to oxidize, or rust. The familiar orange-red color on metal is an indication that metal is slowly reverting back to its natural, lower energy state of ore before the refining process occurred. Since this oxidation process is caused by the air all around you, what's wrong with a little rust?

Read on to discover the damages of rust, how they affect ordinary metal objects, and what you can do about it.

The Dangers of Rust

Rust can cause many problems to metal objects, all of which have harmful effects on ordinary objects and even your health. Six of these effects are as follows.

Rust Weakens Metal

Water in the air helps hasten the formation of rust by liberating electrons in the metal. Over time, the iron itself disappears as it corrodes into rust. Metal grows weaker as rust mars and pits surfaces. Cooking pans, bridge supports, vehicle brake calipers, and your decorative iron lawn chairs are susceptible to further damage once rust gains a foothold and continues to spread unchecked.

Rust Corrodes Metal

As red powdery rust replaces strong iron, weakened metal corrodes into flakes and holes form. Metal that is very rusty cannot fulfill its intended purpose. Corroded pipes leak water or fluid, and corroded fences allow intruders entry. Plus, corroded metal tables and chairs look unattractive at formal events where metal should appear clean and new.

Rust Makes Tools Stick

The growth of rust causes moving parts to stick together. Remember that pair of pliers left out in the rain? Rusty hand tools are difficult to operate when important metal moving parts can no longer slide against each other properly. Lawnmower engines seize up. Nuts and bolts cement together when rusty. When moving parts are rusty, they become useless.

Rust Lessens Magnetic Properties

Iron and its alloys have unique magnetic properties that make them useful in certain applications. Metal with a thin coat of rust probably still retains its valuable magnetism. Badly rusted metal loses its magnetism and can hurt industries that rely on magnets like electronics, automotive, and energy generation.

Rust Hinders Electrical Conductivity

Electricity prefers to flow through metallic conductors. Rust on metal acts as an insulator and hinders electrical conductivity across metal connections. Electronic devices may be perfectly sound, but cannot work when rust is present on battery coils.

Rust Can Harbor Tetanus Bacteria

The tetanus-causing bacteria Clostridium tetani is present in the soil around you. Tetanus is associated with rust because the bacteria is in proximity to rusty objects in or near the ground. Rusty objects have irregular surfaces that are more likely to harbor the dangerous bacteria. Plus, a sudden encounter with a rusty nail or other piece of sharp metal can allow the bacteria to enter your bloodstream.

What You Can Do About Rust

You can easily prevent the growth of rust on important objects. Keep tools and parts as dry as possible. Also, you can protect surfaces with rust inhibitors like oil, paint, and special protective coatings. Keep in mind though that all iron objects are prone to rust and no single method is completely successful.

You can eliminate rust from objects and help maintain integrity and usefulness with several different methods. Light rust is easily scrubbed or scraped away with a stiff brush or a sander. For deeper rust, try chemical products designed to remove rust. If you're reluctant to use harsh chemicals, try a vinegar or citric acid soak or scrub with baking soda.

Some rusty objects benefit from a repair weld after most of the rust is first removed. This process involves removal of a rusty component or piece, and then replacing it with a brand new one.

A skilled welder can join two pieces of metal and produce an object that looks like new once more. At Sam's Welding, Inc, we have the skills and tools necessary to complete a weld repair when you need one. Call us or stop by our shop for on-the-spot weld repairs today.