Ignore rust spots on iron shafts?

[deekay]

Hi all,

I have noticed that tiny rust spots have developed on the metal shafts of my irons and putter. I am afraid that trying to buff/polish this off will "open up" the rust and really cause it to take hold. Or that I would damage the shiny surface of the shafts. Any advice? Should metal shafts be lightly oiled?

P.S. I live on the coast, where rust can be a problem on older vehicles, for example.

[RussUK]

Im no proffesional but from what i understand, light surface rust isnt too bad and can often be cleaned off. Its pitting of the shaft that you need to look out for. If you start getting pitting appearing then you would need to replace the shafts 

[MarvChamp]

7 hours ago, deekay said:

Hi all,

I have noticed that tiny rust spots have developed on the metal shafts of my irons and putter. I am afraid that trying to buff/polish this off will "open up" the rust and really cause it to take hold. Or that I would damage the shiny surface of the shafts. Any advice? Should metal shafts be lightly oiled?

P.S. I live on the coast, where rust can be a problem on older vehicles, for example.

Yes lightly remove the rust. You can lightly oil from time to time; or use a silicone gun/reel cloth; or wax from time to time. All to protect against the humidity  (?) that is causing the rust.I did this for a long time to keep some really old clubs nice.  Good luck, -Marv

[WUTiger]

From 20 years ago: Someone recommended rubbing the shaft with a couple layers of aluminum foil. Supposedly the foil would knock off the rust particles without abrading the shaft too much.

 

[Tom-C]

When I lived in Florida I also got spots of rust on iron shafts. I bought some anti corrosive spray at a Big Box Store (several brands available) and used it with 4/0 steel wool to remove rust spots. Then I applied a little anti corrosive with a soft cloth about every 3 months. They look just fine now.

[cooke119]

I live on the south shore of Long Island, NY where my older clubs are subjected to salt air off the bay and I have never had a rust problem. I have a set of old Ping Eye2s with steel shafts and they look like new. I will say that I clean them after each round using a waxed base cleaner, like for cars, (don't remember the name right now), so that probably helps. I would go to a Pro shop and see what they say, you don't want to do more harm than good. Good luck, I hope you find the answer.

[dennyjones]

8 hours ago, Tom-C said:

When I lived in Florida I also got spots of rust on iron shafts. I bought some anti corrosive spray at a Big Box Store (several brands available) and used it with 4/0 steel wool to remove rust spots. Then I applied a little anti corrosive with a soft cloth about every 3 months. They look just fine now.

Welcome @Tom-C.   We're glad you've found TST.   Don't be a stranger.  

[dbuck]

Mother's mag and aluminum wheel polish is what I use. Cleans and protects.