Just a little background, I have a mobile equipment repair business. I work out of a service truck with a tool boxes inside of the bins. The problem im seeing is condensation inside the boxes on the tools, and a few that started to rust. Ive tried calcium chloride filled bags that hang in the truck bins(the kind made for closets) and they do get out a ton of moisture from the air. Silica gel is another i see but the results arent that impressive. I do of course keep tools lubricated, and have tried small calcium chloride bags in the drawers themselves(which work well but can be tough to find at times). Im curious if anyone else has any other ideas to keep the condensation to a minimum.
Corrosion/condensation prevention in tool boxes
- Thread starter JEdiag
- Start date
wssix99
Well-known member
I have tool boxes we keep on jet skis, which is a constant-wet environment even though the tool boxes are gasketed.
We use these re-chargeable silica gel bags: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZAQPEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
We swap the bags out periodically, bake them in the oven at 200 degrees, then they are back to blue and good for another round. (The system works best with water-resistant tool boxes.
We use these re-chargeable silica gel bags: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LZAQPEY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
We swap the bags out periodically, bake them in the oven at 200 degrees, then they are back to blue and good for another round. (The system works best with water-resistant tool boxes.
About how long do you get out of the silica gel?
Is that the same stuff they use in some topical creams or something totally different?
Kpaige
Well-known member
I also use silica packs. I keep everyone that comes in packages etc and just throw them in the drawers.
I do this to some extent, ive even put vci paper in the drawers to help some. The calcium chloride works great, just not been having as much luck finding the right aize pouches lately. Mayh have to add this in too
VCI Emitter Diffusers | Vapor Capsules | ZERUST®/EXCOR®
ZERUST® Vapor Capsules are portable VCI emitter diffusers that contain VCI technology used to protect metals in hard-to-reach areas.
www.zerust.com
H ow
Just the kind of thing I was looking for. Ill have to order some and give them a shot.VCI Emitter Diffusers | Vapor Capsules | ZERUST®/EXCOR®
ZERUST® Vapor Capsules are portable VCI emitter diffusers that contain VCI technology used to protect metals in hard-to-reach areas.
nadogail
Well-known member
I use oil soaked corrugated paper (Cardboard) in the bottom of my tool boxes. It is cheap and readily available.
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Another source for VCI emitters is https://www.bull-frog.com/VCI Emitter Diffusers | Vapor Capsules | ZERUST®/EXCOR®
ZERUST® Vapor Capsules are portable VCI emitter diffusers that contain VCI technology used to protect metals in hard-to-reach areas.
Probably....it sublimes slowly if you cut off the corner of that package.
Does it pull in moisture or just prevents rust? Really interesting idea either way
It offers a protective atmosphere and supposedly deposits a shield on toolbox contents. Never had a rust problem in my boxes.
At room temperature camphor undergoes sublimation and slowly evaporates. In an enclosed space you're going to have a little bit deposited on the surface of any tools.
It's basically leaving a very, very thin coating of wax.