Clean tools in a rusty toolbox?

[dsh]

I came across a nice old gray and red Craftsman toolbox built in 1972. Great shape, however there is some surface rust on the outside of the box and one of the drawers.

I was planning on just wiping the whole thing down, lubing the slides, putting some drawer liners down and using as is. My question is, will putting clean rust free tools in the box make them more susceptible to rust? Did a little research but there was some contradicting info.

Thanks everyone

 

[Shiftless]

If all of my tools were nice and rust free, I wouldn’t throw them into a box drawer with rusty sides. How about removing that one drawer, sand off most of the rust maybe with some sandpaper or scotch brite pads and then applying some rusty metal primer. Brush or spray. Either use as is or top coat with some paint to match the red on the insides of the other drawers.

If you don’t remove the rust, it will probably get worse. Whether or not the rust will spread to your tools like a cancer, I can’t say for sure.

 

[seber]

Rust is contagious. Treat it with rust converter or remove it and paint.

 

[AmericanMechanic]

How is rust contagious? It's a chemical reaction...

That said, personally I'd probably alleviate the rust but that's a personal choice of value and prioritizes.

 

[Coach James]

Put a mask over the rust, keep the other tools 6" away and they will be fine.

Coach

 

[Fialaja]

Put a mask over the rust, keep the other tools 6" away and they will be fine.

Coach

Don’t forget to not let tools gather in large numbers....

 

[Jazz1]

Rust is contagious. Treat it with rust converter or remove it and paint.

Good answer! Stop the rust on the box. I don't think rust is contagious to tools. I don't run into this so obviously location/humidity is the problem.

 

[Bogie1632]

If the rust doesn't bother you and you like it maybe just hit that area with a clear coat to keep it from spreading on the box. If it's not in direct contact with your tools it's highly unlikely it's going to "spread" to them.

V/R
Bogie

 

[matt_i]

Rust doesn't jump, its just a condition of the base metal.

Some LPS-3 or Fluid Film and it sort of "holds" in that condition for quite awhile depending on the environment its exposed to.

 

[Jazz1]

I think applying automobile wax to tools would prevent rust. Guys do it with old chrome.

 

[.45Cole]

I would knock out the rust and then use the box. A sandblaster is nice (I stack up the projects until it makes sense to setup the sandblaster) or use a wire wheel/cup on a drill. Then hit it with primer and done. I wipe my tools clean after use and use teflon spray occasionally (liquid wrench here, but any works) to keep them from atmosphere exposure.