On Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:28:28 -0400, mm
wrote:

On Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:59:47 -0700, Sesquipedalian Sam
wrote:

Many years ago, I bought a cheap set of dumbbells at one of those used
sporting goods stores. The finish is now starting to crack and peel in
some places. I'm wondering if there is some type of vinyl or similar
coating I can put on them to stop the deterioration.

I've found a wire wheel on a bench grinder does a great job of
removing rust. If the item is not painted, it comes out looking brand
new.

You can remove the encasement around the wheel if there is one and use
a bigger wire wheel and that's good too.

BUT BE SURE TO WEAR GLASSES, PROBABLY SAFETY GLASSES. The wires from
the wheel come out once in a while and I have found them stabbing into
my clothes. One or two have hit my face, but the glasses keep them
from hitting my eyes.

But as I see it, barbells are all steel and sometimes rusted. If I
were a "real man", that's the kind I would want.

;-)