I had a box full of cranks get wet (probably about 100) and they now have rusted hooks and the rust stains on the bodies. I washed off what I could with soap and water but some of them need a little something extra to get the hard rust stains off.

Any suggestions on what to use to get those rust stains off without removing the finish?

Can't wait for an answer.....I had the same thing happen to me, have about 15 cranks with rust stains. I tried a few mild soaps w/ no success. Think maybe Coca-Cola would work?

Think maybe Coca-Cola would work?

Maybe. Probably wouldn't hurt to try it. Normally I wouldn't worry about cleaning up rusty cranks but of the 100+ that got wet, 40-50 of them are LC's.....BDS's, CB100's and 200's, MR's, Mini's etc... :'(

try windex

If that doesn't work, try a very high grip sandpaper, 1000 to 3000 grit WET, very gently, and if that's not happening, look to your bathroom sink type cleaners, such as CLR (calcium, lime, rust), or a shower cleaner. Some of these cleaners are pretty harsh, so be sure to test them beforehand. Be wary of the different finishes though, as different manufacturers use different styles of coatings to seal the bait, what works on one may not work on another. Good luck.

5bass, try some dishwasher liquid detergent. I keep a bottle, it's green, I don't remember the brand, on hand for tough cleaning jobs. I don't know what's in that stuff, but it will remove stains that other products won't put a dent in.

I've got a box full too.  I was planning on using some rubbing compound I've got in the garage.

This is probably one of my biggest pet peeves in life, much less bass fishing. Let a little water get in your box and hundreds of dollars worth of stuff is seemingly ruined. So this brings up a question, anyone have a trick on how to keep them from rusting? I've heard of putting rice in the box, so I guess I'm gonna try that this year.

Be wary of the different finishes though, as different manufacturers use different styles of coatings to seal the bait, what works on one may not work on another.

Thats very true. I had a Pointer 100 under some hot water just wiping it off by hand and there was like a skin that started peeling off (like when you get sunburned and peel) which I assume peeled off because of the hot water. I'll probably just scrub the LC's with some soap, cold water and a toothbrush.

So this brings up a question, anyone have a trick on how to keep them from rusting? I've heard of putting rice in the box, so I guess I'm gonna try that this year.

I use VCI strips...they are supposed to keep things from rusting.....but they only work for condensation type water, not the whole box filled up with water like an ice tray. I'll probably try the rice thing as well.  

Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep 'em coming....I'm about to start cutting off the trebles and cleaning these things up.

Has anyone tried the boxes with the rubber seals in them? I have switched over to Falcon boxes where I can, but the crankbait boxes do not fit my bins. I know they are a bit expensive, but paying a little more up front is a lot better than fixing a box of cranks, I would think. I've honestly not had this problem, though, i've had a few here or there have problems, but nothing like a full box

If you want to clean them use MURIATIC ACID. But I use rusty crank baits and catch plenty of fish on them at times.

Has anyone tried the boxes with the rubber seals in them?

I have several falcon boxes and they keep waer out much better, the problem I have with them is that I dont think I own one that doesnt have one of the latches broken on it. But I do think they are definitely worth the money.

Has anyone tried CLR? It is very strong stuff so I wouldn't leave them in long. I ahd a lot of condensation problems last year. I used those " DO NOT EAT" packets from shoes ect. They seemed to work with keeping moisture down.

You might try a product named Zud.  My brother used to collect beer cans and we used it to take rust off of old cans.  If I remember correctly it had oxalic acid in it and it worked well on the rust.  Don't rub too hard as it is abrasive.

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I have several falcon boxes and they keep waer out much better, the problem I have with them is that I dont think I own one that doesnt have one of the latches broken on it. But I do think they are definitely worth the money.