Rusted bolts are a fact of life when age takes its toll on cars, furniture, and various metal components, often putting you in a tight spot when you need to press on with a cleaning or repair project.

You don't have to toss out bolts just because they've developed a layer of rust. In many cases, that old, corroded hardware can be brought back to life with a little patience and the right approach.

If you've ever opened a toolbox or pulled a mower apart only to find a handful of orange, crusty metal bolts, it's tempting to toss them or think you have to replace them all. Rust isn't just ugly; it ...