I have some crankbaits and jerkbaits that have some rust on them. I'm changing the hooks, but would it be alright to spray the swivels and bait with WD-40 to clean it and remove/stop the rust?

 

I guess I'm just worried, I don't want the fish to smell wd-40 and run away

I would not use any chemical on a bait.  You could use an old tooth brush and some tooth paste to clean it off.  Sounds funny but it works.  I used a hard toothbrush bought by accident and pepsodent paste if it matters.

You know at one time there was a  good number of anglers that used WD-40 as a scent for there lures. That said, take Angry John's suggestion and use the toothbrush and toothpaste to clean up your baits.

Use a 50/50 mixture of vinegar & water.

WD-40 does not inhibit rust, it dissipates to fast ?

So either vinegar and water mix or toothpaste?

 

I want to clean them up, remove the little bit of current rust and prevent it from coming back

You can use a Scotch Brite pad, but you have to be careful. Scotch Brite comes in different levels of abrasiveness, like sandpaper. They are color coded. If you use one that is too abrasive, or if you rub too hard, you might remove the shiny off the lure.

When metal rusts, that means it lost its protective coating (chrome, galvanizing, etc.). You can't really stop it from rusting again without putting another coating on it.

Your rust is probably coming from the hooks or split rings, not the bait hardware.

With the thought of keeping offensive scents to a minimum, I'd stay clear of toothpaste and vinegar. Personally, I like a paste of baking soda and water with a soft bristle toothbrush; then rinse well.

8 hours ago, Angry John said:

I would not use any chemical on a bait.  You could use an old tooth brush and some tooth paste to clean it off.  Sounds funny but it works.  I used a hard toothbrush bought by accident and pepsodent paste if it matters.

Yes!!!!

 

DO NOT USE CHEMICALS ON ANY HARD BAITS.

 

5 minutes ago, Smokinal said:

With the thought of keeping offensive scents to a minimum, I'd stay clear of toothpaste and vinegar. Personally, I like a paste of baking soda and water with a soft bristle toothbrush; then rinse well.

The old toothbrush trick in hot water usually works to a degree. As Smokenal pens, use baking soda if necessary.

 

You may want to use Hard as Nails nail polish to paint over the rusted areas and then put a coat of clear Hard as Nails nail polish over the first coat of nail polish.

 

As for rusted hooks, replace them with fresh hooks.

 

In the meantime, save your pennies and dimes and when you get a good bankroll, replace the rusted baits with new ones as your Christmas present to yourself.

 

Hit Walmart for your selection of Hard as Nails nail polish. It is not expensive and works great.

 

Merry Christmas!

23 hours ago, NittyGrittyBoy said:

I have some crankbaits and jerkbaits that have some rust on them. I'm changing the hooks, but would it be alright to spray the swivels and bait with WD-40 to clean it and remove/stop the rust?

 

I guess I'm just worried, I don't want the fish to smell wd-40 and run away

Old timers use wd40 as fish attractant. They don’t tell the EPA either hahaha

I'm gonna try vinegar water mix w/ toothbrush and maybe put a dab of WD-40 on my split rinngs.

 

I'll post some pictures in the Tomorrow of process!

 

@Sam the baits are brand-new squarebills I've just got moisture in my box this past year. I don't mind replacing them, I just want to at least get some good use outta them!

4 hours ago, NittyGrittyBoy said:

I'm gonna try vinegar water mix w/ toothbrush and maybe put a dab of WD-40 on my split rinngs.

 

I'll post some pictures in the Tomorrow of process!

 

@Sam the baits are brand-new squarebills I've just got moisture in my box this past year. I don't mind replacing them, I just want to at least get some good use outta them!

If you really must use something try and use some anise oil from a worm bag.  The bps brand worms seem to be drenched in it.

On my vintage baits I use Dawn dish washing detergent, hot water, and a toothbrush. It might take a little more work but the results are very good. 

On ‎12‎/‎23‎/‎2018 at 10:50 PM, NittyGrittyBoy said:

stop the rust?

I think someone on BR turned me on to these 2-3 months ago. I have them in every box now.