How to clean rusty guitar saddle springs

[ik9000]

I have a set of chrome plated saddle springs on my guitar that I'd like to clean up. They're pretty small each approx 11mm x 3.4mm OD (3.15 ID) and two-three of them have some surface rusting. Any idea what should I use? I don't want to inadvertently weaken the things. Depending on solvent cost it might be cheaper to buy a new set, but weirdly I'm finding it hard to locate a standalone set of springs. A whole (cheapo) trem assembly is £20-25 but that seems overkill for what I need.

[DDY]

Look in to Jenolite rust remover. I've not used it personally but I helped restore an old car of which parts had been de-rusted with Jenolite, looks like it does a pretty good job.

[Saracen999]

Not my thing, but .... what about a gentle wiping with something like WD40? I've used that to take tarnish off of chrome plate before with reasonable success. But if it's actually rust, that suggests it's come from underneath the chrome plate and might need something a bit more specific to rust.

Or if you go for new .... stainless steel?

[ik9000]

I've used vinegar and a toothbrush then a good water rinse. It's not been perfect but they're better than they were. I don't want to use lubricants like wd40 as the saddles need to hold position and not slip or it will stuff the intonation. The springs go around the saddle adjuster screw so any residue will lubricate the screw.