For various large & small hardware, you might need more than one approach depending on the piece. For many things like stainless, chrome, bronze, and even clear plastics, Autosol has been all the rave lately among tool collectors/restorers (those guys are religious about rust removal/protection). I've never used it but will have some delivered tomorrow.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAK ... TPG=INLMK3Here's an example of one guy's experience with Autosol (this is ductile cast iron though):
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthread ... o=&fpart=1I've also used Flitz on stainless and it works well. Some parts might turn out better using some very mild abrasive. I can recommend the Sandflex Hand Block in fine grit:
http://www.amazon.com/Sandflex-Tool-Cle ... y_ol_img_bIt's like a stiff rubber block with tiny abrasive particles. As you rub the item, it wears away.