I'm sure there will be other suggestions, but after cleaning I just spray mounting screws, washers, springs, etc. with WD40 then wipe them off lightly so they aren't dripping wet. I use light machine oil (3-in-1) on things like strainer threads or tension rod threads and swivel nuts.

3-in-1, also known at Mal-Mart, for 5 times as much for about 2 bucks, is mineral oil, in the baby aisle or pharmacy area. I keep a pint bottle of it for this exact purpose. Lightly rub them after all the hard work and they will be protected.

Thanks gentlemen! An easy question, but I couldn't find a thread about it in a search - and I believe I have all of that lying around.

I have heard conflicting advice about the threads and have been prone to leaving them dry due to possible slippage. ?

Wow, what did you use to clean those screws? They look awesome! On the chrome I'll use automotive/Turtle wax, on threads I use 3 in 1 as well.

thanks - I use a fine 3" wire brush wheel attachment for my drill at low speed after a dawn soak - does a real nice job & I actually kinda like the shiny pitting on the ones that were real rusty.

...I useta do them the same way, but one by one in vise grips with one hand until I got the small table vise DOH

best $20 I ever spent...'cept maybe that time in the Navy in France.

You can polish it with simichrome as a cleaner everytime it need to be clean.

Some people they just soak it into evapo-rust liquid and let air dry the parts so it will give xtra protection from rust.

I would first use a Dremel Tool with a soft wire brush...if you want to make sure the rust doesn't return then hit the parts with a shot or two of clear lacquer...but...those parts are petty easy to find so you may want to check around...unless of course you want to keep the original parts intact then go the Dremel/clear lacquer route.

Mike Curotto