i know its not welding or fab really, but i'm wondering how some of you have refurbed your hardware (ie: nuts, bolts, etc...)? i do not have the option of using a tumbler, or anything like that. what i'm trying to do is take apart my transmission to put in different gearing, and while i'm at it paint the trans case, but i would like some good looking hardware to go with it. maybe just a simple acid bath and clean it with a polishing wheel? i'm open to all opinions/options

 

I just got done doing my bike. Basically just used a small stainless wheel on an impact driver. Wrapped the bolts in cloth and gently put them in a vice to clean them off.

It took forever, but they looked great when I was done.

 

Auto parts store sell a gallon bucket that has all kinds of chemicals in it. It has a dipping tray that you put smaller hardware on and dunk for a day or so. It will make will take a good amount of rust and other mess off before you use the wire brush/wheel. But get some chemical gloves and maybe a respirator, that stuff is like a can of cancer