Needle scaler has changed my life...

[Nelsonmd]

I picked up the mini needle scaler from Harbor Freight and tried it out for the first time last night and holy crap, I wish I had bought this 5 years ago when I bought this rusty POS. I ducked under the rear and went at the frame rails and in just minutes I had knocked off huge chunks of rust that I hadn't been able to get off with the hammer and screwdriver approach I used before. Plus it was super easy not having to twist myself and hammer away in awkward positions.

Anyway, I bought this one, the compact model: Compact Air Needle Scaler

They also have a full size one: Air Needle Scaler & Other Needle Scalers - Harbor Freight Tools

I see others on amazon for typically more money, but these HF ones look fine to me.

Anyway, I hadn't seen these mentioned on here before, so I figured I'd get out the word to fellow sufferers of the crimson sickness. I wish I bought this earlier this summer when I could strip the rust off and actually coat it with something, but now it's too cold. I'll have to just WD-40 the undercarriage until next year.

 

[TheArkMaster]

Do you think it would work for tiny rust spots on my hatch? And on the undercarriage?

 

[isu2014]

I will be getting one of these for when I redo my rusty frame coating. First I'm going to start coating everything in penetrating oil.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Do you think it would work for tiny rust spots on my hatch? And on the undercarriage?

No, it's more of a brute force tool for removing crap-loads of rust. You just need sandpaper.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Needle scaler has changed my life...

Lol. Obviously you are not and never have been in the US Navy.

It's a great tool except for when someone tells (orders) you to strip the non skid off an entire 40 foot x 40 foot helo landing deck. Fun project, out there needling away for days, nights and more days.

I agree it is the perfect tool for what you are trying to do.

 

[hearno]

Anyone know if it could be used on the face of a rim instead of having to sand it by hand? It would save a lot of prep time if it's not too abrasive.

This kid did but they are pos steelies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zfQwNaIDQU

 

[xcmtb83]

Anyone know if it could be used on the face of a rim instead of having to sand it by hand? It would save a lot of prep time if it's not too abrasive.

This kid did but they are pos steelies: Needle gun - YouTube

On aluminum? I wouldn't recommend it on Al unless you want the texture left behind by using it on soft metals. They are quite aggressive.

To the OP, I agree. I picked mine up last year on black friday from Northern Tool for 20 bucks. I have got way more than $20 use out of it and it hasn't died yet.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Anyone know if it could be used on the face of a rim instead of having to sand it by hand? It would save a lot of prep time if it's not too abrasive.

This kid did but they are pos steelies: Needle gun - YouTube

I don't think I'd use this on aluminum. The needles are hardened steel and I think they'd chew up Al pretty quick.

 

[hearno]

On aluminum? I wouldn't recommend it on Al unless you want the texture left behind by using it on soft metals. They are quite aggressive.

To the OP, I agree. I picked mine up last year on black friday from Northern Tool for 20 bucks. I have got way more than $20 use out of it and it hasn't died yet.

I don't think I'd use this on aluminum. The needles are hardened steel and I think they'd chew up Al pretty quick.

I figured as much. Thanks.