Most painless way to refinish hardware?

[JohnC]

I’m sure there many ways to skin a cat but I’m looking for EASY and cheap. I’m thinking a soak in evaporust, rinse, dry and spray bomb semi flat krylon.
Do you have a different process?

 

[kmakar]

Another cheap way is soaking in white vinegar, then into a bath of baking soda (to neutralize). Doesn't get much cheaper than that.

 

[77cruiser]

I've never tried vinegar, but muratic acid works good & fast. May want to experiment a bit.

 

[Shaner]

I've used muriatic acid with GREAT success.

I've also got side tracked and left the part in there too long to find a large wad of powder at the bottom.

Muriatic acid needs to be thinned, or diluted but when it's in its straight form it's very powerful.