If they are completely rusted out, turn them into industrial art. Otherwise, send them to me!

That’s easy. Just dust them off and start using them. I could use the anvil and the mallet easily, every homeowner should have both.

(Just to clarify - that’s a stock photo of some not very rusty tools - but the rustiest picture I could find.

I’m suspect Janet’s tools are slightly more rusted than that.

-louisa)

They could be sold to the scrap yard

makes great garden art

Janet, use a wire brush and get as much rust as you can off of the tools. Then spray them with something like WD-40 and they are ready to use. Old tools are so much better than the new ones today. Hubby and I buy older tools at yard sales or estate sales because they last longer than those you buy nowadays. If the handle is broken, buy an oak handle from a hardware store and replace it. Much better than plastic and lasts longer. Hope this helps.

For tools that are not TOO rusty, Work aid are a charity that refurbishes old tools and equipment for vocational training projects in the third world. Other examples of things they re-use are manual typewriters and sewing machines.

http://www.workaid.org/

If they’re rusty but repairable, wire brushes and some penetrating oil will work wonders; my favorite product for loosening up rusty tools is PB Blaster (the can looks ridiculous, but it really does work). There are number of rust removal products on the market, often used for woodworking tools to remove surface rust (e.g., http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11500&filter=rust).

If the tools are broken or pitted/rotted beyond repair, most areas with any manufacturing industry will have some scrap metal recycling facilities. Though some may not take small lots, they may be able to refer you to an individual in your area that collects scrap. Keep in mind that your scrap metal is worth cash, so if you’re depositing significant mass, find out what the market price is before giving it up; searching google for “scrap metal prices” should provide decent information.

I was going to suggest workaid.org but hazel_tree beat me to it.

freecycle.com is a nice concept for recyling any stuff you don’t need anymore.

Regarding rust, don’t worry old tools are usually made of terrific steels and the rust is just on the surface. They clean up a treat.

Sounds like no tool is too rusty except maybe a pair of cheap scissors.

You can use them for all sorts of crafty things:

Candle Holders & Racks:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_refurbish_reuse_recycle/article/0,,HGTV_3490_2349009,00.html

Wind Chimes & Lamps:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_refurbish_other/article/0,,HGTV_3488_2990168,00.html

Organizers & Holders:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_refurbish_accessories/article/0,,HGTV_3484_1394363,00.html

Other Household items & accessories:
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/dc_refurbish_other/article/0,,HGTV_3488_1374337,00.html

HTH - I hope these ideas helps!

Excellant! Thanks.

I would say use WD-40 and lots of it

contact your local Tools for Self-Reliance group. They have local groups all over the UK, they take old tools, refurbish them and send them in packs to artisans (carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors) in Africa. - so promoting re-use and sustainable livelihoods
link is:
http://www.tfsr.org/

remove the rust by soaking in Coke then you can reuse it for the same purpose or perhaps make them paperweights.