keeping tools from rusting, redux

[n8n]

I know there's been countless threads on this and I've even made suggestions in a few, but I need some ideas for "Aggressive" rust prevention.

I warrantied a 1/2" drive swivel with the snap-on guy and the next time I went to use it it was covered in surface rust.

I'd also cleaned a whole set of used SO impacts and then dipped them in Diesel fuel and let air dry. I thought that would provide more than enough protection. It didn't. Those started surface rusting as well.

I guess my friend's shop is really aggressive on tools...

Is there something I can spray over my tools that will dry quickly yet leave a good waxy protective coating so this doesn't happen to all my stuff? I've started wiping stuff down with an oily rag before putting them away, but that doesn't help with seldom used tools.

 

[Ray-CA]

I have several pounds of small desiccant packs that you find in Rx bottles and shipments. I toss a few into each drawer of my tool boxes and change them about 3-times each year. So far, no rust issues. Check with the pharmacy you normally use and see if they will save them for you.

A wipe down with WD-40 won't hurt any either.

Ray

 

[csp]

Boe-shield

Google it

 

[n8n]

I like that last idea, I think I will do that. I have heard it mentioned on the bicycle groups as an alternative to Frame Saver so it'll probably do what I want it to do. Am guessing it isn't quite as thick and messy as Frame Saver?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Another thing to consider is putting a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VpCI) emitter cup in your toolbox. They emit a vapor that will block corrosion, it's similar to how in the old days machinists would put a block of camphor in their toolbox to prevent rust.

There are a number of brands out there, one good one is Bullfrog. You can buy their products here: http://www.theruststore.com/Bull-Frog-C22.aspx They also have wipes and sprays, plus some products good for protecting firearms.

 

[BillK]

n8,
I would have to ask what type of environment are they in ? I am right across the river in Southern Md and I don't do anything to my tools. Some of the ones that are in my detached garage have been there for 20 years and rarely get used and they don't have any rust on them ???? Is there possibly some type of corrosive vapor in the air ? Only thing else is if they are in a shop that is constantly changing temperature without any ventilation ?? Must be something going on to cause it, I just don't have a problem here and we are only 20 miles apart.

 

[ZRX61]

LPS-1

http://www.lpslabs.com/product-details/560

LPS-3:

http://www.lpslabs.com/product-details/612

Hardcoat:

http://www.lpslabs.com/product-details/614

 

[n8n]

n8,
I would have to ask what type of environment are they in ? I am right across the river in Southern Md and I don't do anything to my tools. Some of the ones that are in my detached garage have been there for 20 years and rarely get used and they don't have any rust on them ???? Is there possibly some type of corrosive vapor in the air ? Only thing else is if they are in a shop that is constantly changing temperature without any ventilation ?? Must be something going on to cause it, I just don't have a problem here and we are only 20 miles apart.

Bill, it's a very old franchise shop in a less than affluent area of MD (near Anacostia.) Definitely has constant temp changes as it's well less than airtight and if outside temp is cold it is only heated when it's open. Also when there's a hard rain there is often standing water at the ends of the bays even with doors closed. Definitely a rough environment for tools, unless they've got good chrome. I'd pull my tools out of there but I've been making too many "guest appearances" lately.

 

[n8n]

Follow up: I got some Boeshield and it seems like good stuff. Some sockets that I treated a few days ago are still slightly tacky but are drying nicely.

Question: For my sockets that don't require aggressive clean up (e.g. ones I bought new) can I just spray them down on the rails and the Boeshield will creep into the recesses, or should I do what I've been doing, pull them all off, spray on a baking sheet, let dry somewhat, put back on rails?

I have discovered that I have a boatload of sockets, and I don't even have a "complete set" nor are all of the ones that I own at the house... and I haven't even started in on the other hand tools...