Moisture & Rust Prevention?

[DIY_Guy79]

Before you suggest wiping everything down with WD40, I know, I do, and it works great. But you cant coat everything in WD40, it would be a full time job.

Anyways, I seem to have a serious moisture problem in my garage. Things seem to rust at an incredibly fast rate, by things, I mean like the screws holding random objects together. I have an RC car (an Axial Yeti) every screw head on it is rusted from just hanging in my garage for 6 months which now. I know this wouldnt have happened in the house, because I previously had kept it in my house for a couple of years, not a speck of rust on it. I'm assuming its due to AC in the house vs none in the garage. These werent even bare screws, they were coated. But thats just one example of why I really need to get this worked out.

So, how can I keep moisture to a bare minimum in a garage with no AC to prevent rust on silly things like this? I've considered hiding silica packs or salt & rice bags all over, but that just doesnt seem like it would be as effective as I'd like in a big open garage and would be awkward trying to hide all of those.

 

[Shiftless]

Before you suggest wiping everything down with WD40, I know, I do, and it works great. But you cant coat everything in WD40, it would be a full time job.

Anyways, I seem to have a serious moisture problem in my garage. Things seem to rust at an incredibly fast rate, by things, I mean like the screws holding random objects together. I have an RC car (an Axial Yeti) every screw head on it is rusted from just hanging in my garage for 6 months which now. I know this wouldnt have happened in the house, because I previously had kept it in my house for a couple of years, not a speck of rust on it. I'm assuming its due to AC in the house vs none in the garage. These werent even bare screws, they were coated. But thats just one example of why I really need to get this worked out.


So, how can I keep moisture to a bare minimum in a garage with no AC to prevent rust on silly things like this? I've considered hiding silica packs or salt & rice bags all over, but that just doesnt seem like it would be as effective as I'd like in a big open garage and would be awkward trying to hide all of those.

If you don’t need the cooling of A/C you can run a dehumidifier. They typically use a lot of electricity. You need to tighten up your garage. Seal the garage door. Humid air leaking in makes the machine run full time.

 

[calum]

Silica gel bags in the tool drawers work for keeping rust off the steel tools

 

[calum]

Good air flow helps as well

 

[FloridaFlyer]

And don't use WD-40 anyway. This has been well documented over the years - better to use LPS 2 or 3, Fluid Film, Par-al-ketone, or any number of products designed specifically for corrosion protection.

 

[BearsFan315]

had same issue here, being near coast with high humidity. i insulated garage and installed a PTAC to control temp. but also put in a Dehumidifier and keep the humidity around 45% year round. has worked miracles. i ended up getting a Frigidaire 70-Pint Dehumidifier with the hose attachment. i put a hole in garage side wall put in a pvc sleeve, and then ran hose out the sleeve. so it drips and runs off outside and never have to empty it !!

 

[CraigStu]

Sealing it up and running a fan or two may do the trick. You just have to experiment. If it isn't a perfect solution do what BearsFan says, dehumidifier draining through the wall. Just be sure to run the hose 2 ft+ from the foundation.

 

[Matt The Hammer]

Do you store rock salt in the garage? Or anything like it? If so, take it out asap.

 

[jake28]

Two things:

You can get silica gel in bulk, it’s. Asked kitty litter. Just need to find the right brand.

For things like tool boxes, one way to avoid rust is to prevent condensation. You can do that with heat. Even a 40w lightbulb can add enough ambient heat. You need to be smart about it, because there is a fire risk, but worth considering.

Hear will both help prevent the symptoms, not the root cause.

 

[karoc]

I know I'm going to get beat up for this but WD 40 does not protect from rust. I buy it by gallon at HF, once open the metal can each time I open it draws moisture. It will turn to milk color. So with that in mind I like the Royal Purple which was recommended by engineer work in refinery. As my back up I like the Fluid Film which is thick, as much as they cost read directions.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Do you store rock salt in the garage? Or anything like it? If so, take it out asap.

Pool chemicals are another thing that should be stored separately.

 

[DIY_Guy79]

had same issue here, being near coast with high humidity. i insulated garage and installed a PTAC to control temp. but also put in a Dehumidifier and keep the humidity around 45% year round. has worked miracles. i ended up getting a Frigidaire 70-Pint Dehumidifier with the hose attachment. i put a hole in garage side wall put in a pvc sleeve, and then ran hose out the sleeve. so it drips and runs off outside and never have to empty it !!

Nice, I may have to go this route myself. Awesome idea tonot have to drain the dehumidifier.

Two things:

You can get silica gel in bulk, it’s. Asked kitty litter. Just need to find the right brand.

For things like tool boxes, one way to avoid rust is to prevent condensation. You can do that with heat. Even a 40w lightbulb can add enough ambient heat. You need to be smart about it, because there is a fire risk, but worth considering.

Hear will both help prevent the symptoms, not the root cause.

Nice, i didnt know kitty litter had silica in it. Thank you.

Do you store rock salt in the garage? Or anything like it? If so, take it out asap.

No, but I was actually thinking about adding salt to rice bags to draw moisture from the air. Guess thats a bad idea? lol

I know I'm going to get beat up for this but WD 40 does not protect from rust. I buy it by gallon at HF, once open the metal can each time I open it draws moisture. It will turn to milk color. So with that in mind I like the Royal Purple which was recommended by engineer work in refinery. As my back up I like the Fluid Film which is thick, as much as they cost read directions.

And don't use WD-40 anyway. This has been well documented over the years - better to use LPS 2 or 3, Fluid Film, Par-al-ketone, or any number of products designed specifically for corrosion protection.

I use PB Blaster mostly. But I assure you, WD40 prevents rust. You have to reapply from time to time, but it works great. There may be products that work better, but saying that WD40 or similar products like PB Blaster dont prevent rust is just false. I've removed rust from many tools with vinegar and coated them in WD40 or PB Blaster, wiped it off and they've stayed rust free for a year or better, of course I dont store my tools at the bottom of a creek or anything lol mess around in water too often. But for keeping rust off of your tools in general, it works great. I'll definitely check out your suggestions though. Always nice to find more effective products.

 

[matt_i]

Good air flow helps as well

Your best bet is a ceiling fan left on low 24x7.

Check also for any kind of acid or fertilizer left inside, those promote rust.

In my shop I use a variety of protectants from LPS2, LPS-3, Fluid Film and BoeShield T-9. I don't even think I own a can of WD. I have other cleaners that I prefer over the WD.

 

[mepstein]

Dehumidifier. Best if you can keep the humidity below 50%. Exit the drain tube out of the house so you don't have to empty.

A garage in the summer is especially hard to control because the warm outside air will condense on all the cold surfaces. Keep your valuable stuff inside the house.

 

[Hank11]

Dehumidifier. Best if you can keep the humidity below 50%. Exit the drain tube out of the house so you don't have to empty.

A garage in the summer is especially hard to control because the warm outside air will condense on all the cold surfaces. Keep your valuable stuff inside the house.

THIS^^^^^^^^^
Running a dehumidifier will solve the problem during moderate weather.

 

[nadogail]

I am a fan of Fluid Film.