How to remove rust from old Hamer case latches?

[kenjones]

I've got a couple of old Hamer cases that have a lot of rust on the brass-plated latches. Is there any tried and true method for removing some or all of this rust?

[Studio Custom]

WD-40 or CLR with some steel wool will clean them up, but they will rust again if in a damp environment.  

[tbonesullivan]

Nevr Dull also works well, and leaves behind a protective film. Once they have started to go it is pretty much impossible to get them back to "like new" though.

[cynic]

Ignore any recommendations that don't end in Flitz.

[Steve Haynie]

15 hours ago, tbonesullivan said:

Nevr Dull also works well, and leaves behind a protective film. Once they have started to go it is pretty much impossible to get them back to "like new" though.

Chemical rust remover would be the way to go.  You could take it a step further with a lacquer clear coat when the corrosion is cleaned off.

[kenjones]

I have used Nevr Dull® on a lot of chrome and nickel plated guitar parts, so I will give it a try on the brass latches. I also have a can of Brasso® but can't remember ever using it on anything. Thanks!

[Bloozguy]

I had a broken latch on one of my Hamer cases and I took it to a local luggage repair place. I think it was less than $10 to replace the entire latch.

[kenjones]

I sat down with the case today. The Nevr Dull® worked a little bit, but the Brasso® with a soft cloth worked much better. The latched were very rusted, so they do not look new but they at least have had the rust removed.