I made use of an electric hand plane to thin the staves- and yes it was a Harbor electric chicago freight brand. I can usually make wood do what I want it to. But I’m new to medal. Let me show you where the offending rust resides. Its not just the fitting- I shot some wd40 in there but seems I need a better option. Thought maybe using some 2stroke gas and swish it around. Maybe I should have used chainlube?