I was wondering if a rock tumbler would work to clean rust and gunk off of the numerous small screws, nuts, and bolts that I have taken off the front end? I have used a rust remover on some of them but they look bad after this procedure. Since they all will need painting, I was looking for clean metal and individually sand blasting them in the driveway is incredibly time consuming.
Thoughts?

 

I've tried it. Threw some into the tumbler I use for brass casings. They just ended up dull and gray. I stopped bothering after the first load of them. Used walnut material in mine, probably some of that dedicated media made for the purpose would work a lot better.

 

wire wheel on a bench grinder

 

a trick that i learned many years ago (damn i'm old) , from people that re-store antique motorcycles , cars etc. . in many cases it's important to use original hardware . anyway cheap white vinegar , let soak 1 day check , repeat as reguired . vinegar is a very mild acid , it will remove surface rust & not damage part . (i'm talking about ferrous metals) rinse with water , soak/dip in solvent/mineral spirits . good as new/almost . i recently left some taps out in the weather for a couple of weeks . they were nasty , used this method , returned them to servicable condition . just a thought , works for me . good luck . P.S. it will darken the surface & use a plastic/glass jar not metal can .

 

Look up electrolytic derusting....

Or better yet, buy new hardware (unless you are trying to make a perfect restoration).