Hinges for Casement Windows

[Corinne2901]

I am restoring the casement windows in our Queenslander in Brisbane. The sliding hinges on the top and bottom are really dirty and rusty. Do you know how best to clean/remove the rust from the hinges? I'm guessing they would be either steel or stainless steel. Do you know where I could buy new hinges and how much they are likely to cost if they are beyond cleaning. Cheers

[mic-d]

I am restoring the casement windows in our Queenslander in Brisbane. The sliding hinges on the top and bottom are really dirty and rusty. Do you know how best to clean/remove the rust from the hinges? I'm guessing they would be either steel or stainless steel. Do you know where I could buy new hinges and how much they are likely to cost if they are beyond cleaning. Cheers

The hinges are called casement stays and you can get new ones from Whitco. There are a couple of different sizes, you'll need to match the right ones. Bunnings will have them.

Cheers
Michael

[Corinne2901]

Hi Michael, I will take one into Bunnings to match the size. I think it would work out expensive to replace all of them so I will have to put in some cleaning muscle on the best of them. Do you know what would be the most effective way of cleaning? I have tried with steel wool and it's a very long process. Could they be soaked first in something? Also I wondered if once I have cleaned them if I should spray them with Gal Spray to look better and to avoid them rusting again?

[q9]

When I need to clean things and I'm not quite sure what to use, I sometimes grab a can of oven cleaner

[steerage]

Actually, there is at least one worthwhile vinegar cure - immerse those stays and finger pulls, in fresh vinegar for a week or so. Visit every day, agitate, top up or replace if too murky. "Acetic cure" doesn't mar whats left of zinc coating, softens rust, putty & paint dags left by those wonderful blokes who style themselves "house painters". Brushing with something like stiff toothbrush or brass brush along the way will reveal progress. Once cleaned to bright metal, its best to deploy the Killrust metal primer system. Rusteeter for exposed parts, backed up with primer coat all over. Household Vinegar is +/-5% conc. won't blind the user and its cheap. Industrial strength +/-25% can be had in metro areas if you have the handling and safety facilities, but why bother?
I have rescued several useable sets this way, however most used and abused stays need new spring shoes, and rivets - all made of unobtanium.