Metal staining problem

[TFM]

Hi there.  As you can see from the photos, I'm having a problem with rust/staining on my tools.  I soaked the rule in WD40 rust remover soak overnight, and it made the problem WORSE.   Ditto the saw.  it had some light rust a while back I tried rubbing it out with the soak to little effect.  Can anyone recommend how to clean these tools up?

Thanks,
Tim

   

[Hank Knight]

A polishing paste like Autosol with a soft buffing pad or wheel will take a lot of the stain off. It will also probably remove the etch from your saw, and it may not get all of the stain, but it will improve what you have now. The only way I know for to keep from getting rust stains is the prevent the rust in the first place.

[blackhat]

Green kitchen pot scrubber pads, a bit of regular WD 40 or some mineral spirits and get to work. If the etch on the saw plate has meaning or value, don’t do the above. I don’t know anything that will remove that much staining and not destroy the etc.