Rust protection of hand tools

BillyP · Jan 22, 2003

I keep the oily rag in one of those ziplock bags.

If anyone is interested in those silica gel crystal packs, you can find them at http://www.midwayusa.com. I really don't think it would work too well for tools. They are made to use in places like gun vaults and other closed up places.

Billy

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/623716>Silica packs</A>

cpicton1 · Jan 22, 2003

Here is something I have read about but never tried myself.

To help absorb the moisture and prevent spotting and corrosion, wrap a few charcoal briquettes in a piece of cloth and toss them into your toolbox. Replace the briquettes every few months.

You could run a dehumidifier in humid conditions to prevent rust also.

TOMLESCOEQUIP · Jan 22, 2003

The best way to keep your tools rust free is to USE them...........Get out in your barn/garage and get yourself some quality "TOOL TIME" on your tractor..........Life is short............WRENCH HARD !!!!!!!!!.........Tom

OkieG · Jan 22, 2003

<font color=blue>you need to heat them up to restore them</font color=blue>

I can't provide an authoritative source, so take it for what it's worth, but I also have been told that dessicant can be "restored" by heating. The heat is supposed to drive moisture out of the dessicant crystals and make them ready for reuse. As I recall, some dessicants will turn color from white to blue as they become saturated with water, so you know when to replace/restore them.

kyoders · Jan 23, 2003

One of them is called "Bullfrog rust blocker". You can find it at woodworker.com. They also carry Boeshield T-9, which is supposed to be very effective (it was made by Boeing for use in their factories, I believe). I've never used any of these myself, so I don't know how effective they actually are. Also at woodworker.com, you will find Bostik TopCote, which I use on my cast-iron tables with very good results (better than paste wax).

There's another one similar to the Bullfrog that looks like black sheets of sandpaper, but I can't find a reference to them right now. They are both designed to work in an enclosed space.

On dessicants, make sure they were designed to be re-dried. Not all of them are. If you are looking for dessicants, you can usually find them at arts/crafts stores for drying flowers.

Kevin

bellweather · Jan 23, 2003

wipe your tools down with an oily rag before storing them and use them often. aesthetics aside, any rust that forms will be light surface rust and in most cases will not adversely affect performance (except thickness gauges). you probably won't live long enough for the rust to become a factor.

OkieG · Jan 23, 2003

Thanks for the tip on Bostik TopCote. I have used pastewax for years. But pastwax needs to be frequently applied for continuous protection. Particularly in the summertime, our cats love to come into the garage with wet paws and curl up on the nice cool castiron tablesaw table. That's when I get a surprise if I haven't been keeping up with the waxing. /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif

OkieG

gobbler · Jan 23, 2003

The Bullfrog product mentioned in another post is what I was referring to.

Here’s a <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.action-electronics.com/bftools.htm>link</A> to some product information.

Jim

KENSFM · Jan 23, 2003

I have used a light coat of boiled linseed oil on my tools for years, also works great on wood handles. Just be careful to dispose of the rags properly. Follow the directions on the can.
Ken

herbenus · Jan 23, 2003

I planned on doing all the gardening tools this spring. They've been abused and not taken care of. But now with a new shed I'm trying to make amends. I was only planning on doing the handles with linseed oil though. After derust, paint, and oiling metal. But maybe linseed on everything would save a step?