Rust protection of hand tools

herbenus · Jan 22, 2003

This is off topic but I know folks here will have some good ideas. What should I use to protect my hand tools in my garage. They seem to rust up while your looking at them. I've tried WD-40 but this seems to only postpone it. I've also used a product called phospho that I would only use on more rugged stuff. It eats up the rust and sort of primers. But I'm looking for somthing to spray on after each use, after cleaning tool and before putting away.

Thanks.

rancar · Jan 22, 2003

<font color=blue>"What should I use to protect my hand tools in my garage?"</font color=blue>

This is a terrific question. I have a similar problem. I once asked a vendor at an antique and craft fair who was selling antique tools how he got that glossy sheen on all the hand tools he refurbished. He wouldn't tell me....it was a trade secret as he called it.

....Bob

EarPlug · Jan 22, 2003

I would suggest CorrosionX. I have used it on just about everything and it does not contain any wax to gum things up like WD40. You can get it here: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://shooterssafetyproducts.com/CorrosionXCatalog.asp>http://shooterssafetyproducts.com/CorrosionXCatalog.asp</A>

Jack

BillyP · Jan 22, 2003

The cheapest and best thing I've found is light weight oil, like machine oil. Get an old rag and put oil on it. When you get through using your tools, wipe them down with the oily rag. You don't need a lot of oil on the rag. Just enough to coat the tools. You can keep this rag in your tool box for use next time. I do the same thing to all my guns.

Billy

Hoeman00 · Jan 22, 2003

Try storing the tools in wood tool boxes.

Worksmart · Jan 22, 2003

Herbenus - 5 gal. pail filled with sand. Add a quart or so of motor oil(used or new). Dip tool into sand/oil mix. Cleans and protects. Shovels...hand tools etc. Different type container for bow rakes etc....... Chuck

herbenus · Jan 22, 2003

Good ideas. The CorrosionX looks like good stuff. I hope I can find something like it locally. The oily rag is a good idea I will start using but I still want a spray for getting into those crevices in moving parts. The bucket of sand and oil is probably good for shovels and hoes. But it would be tough getting all the sand out of a pair of pliers... I'm guessing you stick the shovel in and leave it till next use. Good storage idea but I've got a variety of things I need to protect. Some hang, some can go in a bucket, and some are in drawers - gardening tools, carpentry, wrenches, etc.

herbenus · Jan 22, 2003

I know some antiquers will clean up and then spray with a clear varnish or acrylic spray. This is good protection and great for show, but not something I can do every time I put a tool up.

Pacesetter300 · Jan 22, 2003

Eastwood Automotive has a product "Heavy Duty Anti Rust" that they sell in spray bombs or as a liquid. Amsoil also has a similar product in spray only. Both leave a waxy film, but it comes right off and sure does a great job of protecting anything metal. I've not found WD-40 or similar products to be effective at all.

EarPlug · Jan 22, 2003

Bill, The best place to find CorrosionX locally would be at boat shops. The product has not gotten into the big box stores yet. The link I posted above for Shooters Safety Products are the same people that have provided the ProEars electronic muffs that many of the members have purchased.

You should be able to get the CorrosionX in a couple of days. BTW the CorrosionX web site is <A target="_blank" HREF=http://corrosionx.com>http://corrosionx.com</A>

Jack