Keepin' the tools rust free!

[jaggedscars]

Good morning and hello to everyone at GJ!

I found your site not to long ago and am very happy! Definitely some awesome ideas, projects, and builds. As you can see, I am a newb to your site but not to mechanics. I have held numerous jobs since high school involving mechanics, a lot of side projects rebuilding Stihl chainsaws (Ms 440 & 460's), and am currently a jet engine guy in the Air Force.

My question to you all is, from your experience, what is the best way to remove rust from sockets/hand tools and which oil(s) would you recommend to prevent it? I usually wipe everything down every 4-6 months or so with a silicon based lubricant (liquid wrench last time), but in my climate, it seems very humid all the time. My tools don't get used like they once did so this is most to safeguard them. I've seen on other sites, people use the Evaporust and then hit the tools with gun oil... like Rem Oil... Not sure how I feel about that. Thank you!

 

[NC-Fordguy]

You'll get a bunch suggestions on what you use. Most any kinda of lubricant(wd-40, kroil, ATF) will work.

Just don?t use evaporust on impact sockets and don't ask me how I know

 

[YZ Rider]

I hit everything with a wire wheel on the pedestal grinder but it may take some of the finish of newer tools with it. I have those little silica gel pouches in the corners of my drawers. I don't know if it helps any but I do it anyway

 

[Marturo]

A brass hand brush will remove light rust & not remove the finish. As for keeping rust away I have used Harly Wax, a pure yellow Carnauba wax that will not slip in your hands. A lot of oils will not dry out without cracking,
Carnauba is used on floors where slipping is not allowed due to safety reasons.

I have used this wax since the 70s & my Snap on, etc. tools look like new today. Do not use any other Carnauba other than Harly Wax.
Made from 100 % pure No.1 Yellow Carnauba wax. I apply it once a year.

Harly Products Carona, Ca.

PS: It also works great on guns.

 

[jaggedscars]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I figured the Evaporust would erode the finish on sockets pretty easy as most have the black oxide finish. My tool box is about 90% Craftsman and 10% Snap On, so I would think their coating/plating process would be good.

Marturo - When you applied the Carnauba wax, did you use a degreaser at all prior? I have thought about wax before but never took it to serious as I thought it would dissolve when in contact with lubricants/fuels.

 

[retrobuilder]

Check out Zerust and Cortech VCI foam sponges and treated VCI paper liners and bags. You probably get a lot of aviation parts in packaging with it already?

 

[jaggedscars]

Check out Zerust and Cortech VCI foam sponges and treated VCI paper liners and bags. You probably get a lot of aviation parts in packaging with it already?

I have seen some products like this but at my level, the protective packaging has already been removed or reused. Aerospace bearings usually are still wrapped up when we receive them.