My tools are rusting in the barn

[SandburRanch]

I live in a rainforest in the Pacific NW and my tools are getting very rusty in my shop. I thought firing up the woodstove from time to time would help but not so. Someone suggested that the issue is not heat but air circulation. So perhaps running a fan? Has anyone tried this?

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Your tools will need to stay above dew point temperature. A fan is great for circulating air, but it will just be wet air it's circulating and nothing gained. WD-40 was developed for displacing moisture so you might consider trying wiping them down with it on occasion.

 

[ray66v]

Whenever you have a building that is cold inside, and you open the door on a warm humid day, (like we get this time of the year), the moist air is going to come inside and condense on everything cold.

Warming the building inside before opening the doors, or just keeping them closed will help.

WD-40 will work, if you don't mind reapplying it every few weeks. It evaporates so quickly it is really only good for use as a starting fluid.

Howes Lubricator is a light weight oil that will not evaporate quickly. If you apply it to something, it will stay there.

For long term protection you have the option of a product that has dissolved wax in it. With these, after the solvents evaporate a wax coating remains. This light film can protect bare metal for up to 1 year out in the elements. I use KEL-132. Boeshield T-9 is also said to be good. Farm suppliers, and boat stores in your area may have these, or similar products.

 

[greasemonkeyok]

Tractor Supply has a clear "rust converter" that coats the metal when rust is present. I like LPS-3, which they claim will last up to one year, but leaves a waxy film.

 

[/pine]

I keep my tools in the barn in open wooden boxes, but I am starting to notice rust on them...

I will assume this refers to hand and mechanical tools rather than implement type tools that can be painted etc...

I used to keep gun bluing on bare steel cutting tools like chisels and planes etc...
on regular hand tools I like to use a rag saturated with (old Johnsons) paste wax...

 

[clemsonfor]

If were talking hedge clippers and shovels or garden trowels you could wipe them down with clean greese it will saok into the metal and keep it from rusting, of couse they will be greasy.

 

[clemsonfor]

My buddies dad who is also my friend as well collects old tools. He will either wire wheel them or just wire brush to get flaky rust off and then coat with polyurethane. They stay shiny wet looking and dont rust, of course he dosent use these but just hangs them on the wall.

 

[tawilson]

I've started using Fluid Film for a lot of things. Haven't done my tools yet but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

 

[Pilot]

ACF 50 is used in airplanes to prevent corrosion & lubricate. It creeps everywhere and for months after applying it inside the wings, you can see it weeping out past the rivets onto the wing skins. It lasts a couple years. Here is a testimony on a motorcycle forum: http://www.r1-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163899

 

[300UGUY]

I think a vapor barrier underneath the concrete helps out a lot. My barn stays very dry, and I don't see the condensation on things that I did before I put the floor in. Keeping tools in toolboxes helps a lot. Dust on metal holds moisture, leading to rust.

 

[tawilson]

I did a search to see what ACF 50 is made of and coudn't come up with anything.