A thorough cleaning and degreasing is the essential first step in preparing the items that will be painted. Each part should be free of grease and oil deposits before proceeding to rust removal techniques. A parts washer that circulates mineral spirits will be ideal for this step. Some scrapers, a stiff bristle brush, and a couple of wire brushes will be needed to remove the caked on crud that has built up over the years. This degreasing step will also get the item clean enough to inspect for hairline cracks and wear damage.

Parts like the ratchet pinion will require some patience to scrape the hardened grease and dirt from between the gear teeth. Some original literature contains advice to add hard oil to the inside of the ratchet assembly to eliminate chatter. The blade of a screwdriver or metal blade putty knife works well to pry and remove the hardened material. Even if painting is not planned, removing the caked on crud will allow the gears to be better inspected.