Fire Jack

[vicky whitworth]

Hi, I've been given a fire jack - I think that's what it is called. A thingy to go in a fireplace to hang the pot from - like a large ratchet. It's pretty rusty and I'd like to put it in my fireplace (although that might look a bit like ye olde tea shoppe?). What should I clean it up with? I don't want to make it look too shiney and new. Should I wash off the worse of the top surface and then use fire blackener (Zeebrite)?
Thanks, Vicky

 

[LadyArowana]

I had an antique umbrella/ stick stand that had some rusty parts and my approach was to first go over it with a small wire brush to remove the worst of the loose material, and then to polish it with the grate blacking you mention. It was a very very messy process. I recommend lots of newspaper on the floor. For fiddly areas an old toothbrush is invaluable. It gave a very nice finish once it was done. Will update with pictures later. Good luck with your project it sounds fun.

 

[LadyArowana]

This is a before picture with some of the rust.



and this is the whole thing after. The grate blacking made a big improvement, but as I said before it's filthy stuff and you have to be careful to polish everything off or it can leave marks on anything it touches.

 

[Lime]

I suggest using either a rust remover or rust converter.
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Painting%20&%20Decorating/Metal%20Paints%20&%20Primers/Rust%20Remover%20125ml/d150/sd3152/p98529

 

[Penners]

I would do what Her Ladyship (or was it her downstairs maid?) did.

 

[LadyArowana]

I would do what Her Ladyship (or was it her downstairs maid?) did.

Sadly no maid downstairs, just a corporate lawyer for one of the naughty banks. He already dislikes me quite intensely, so I never ask him to do my domestic chores.