Spot blasting or wire wheel

[Steamer]

The results of sandblasting will always be better than wire wheeling but usually not as convenient. Wire brushing is a decent prep for a rust treatment product. I most often use a flat wire wheel in a 4" side grinder and for tight corners I'll use a small brush in a drill or a die grinder.

And when it comes to face protection I wouldn't go cheap. I used to get mediocre ones free from work but preferred to purchase good ones. Better all around for fit, adjusting & a thicker shield. Amazon.com: 3M Ratchet Headgear H8A, Head and Face Protection 82783-00000, with 3M Clear Polycarbonate Faceshield WP96 (Pack of 1): Industrial & Scientific

 

[Hack]

The only wire wheel I'd recommend for rust removal would be a Rust Thug

It gets into places and destroys rust that other wire wheels cannot.

^^^ Looks like something out of the Saw movie genre....

 

[120mm]

^^^ Looks like something out of the Saw movie genre....

It's effective and gets into those hard to reach spots.

I'd hate to have someone with bad intents use one on me.

 

[Splangy]

Just remember, wire wheels (with a couple very expensive exceptions) leave a smooth surface. There's a saying in the coatings world:

Nothing sticks to dirty and nothing sticks to smooth.