Some Advice On Tool Rust Prevention

[GlennSullivan]

I've lived in the northeast my entire life and have a pretty substantial collection of tools and automotive equipment which are kept indoors in toolboxes except when used outside. If they get wet when in use, they get wiped off prior to storing. Never had a rust issue on any of my tools or equipment.

About 8 years ago we purchased a second home in southeast Florida. Over the these past years, I've brought down some of my tools from up North and acquired some other new ones here. The tools are stored indoors in tool boxes but the garage is not air conditioned and can get very humid. The house is also near (not on) salt water.

I am finding that my tools at the FL house are rusting, both those 20 year old ones brought from up North in pristine condition and the ones newly acquired down here.

I would very much appreciate some advice on how to prevent this - other than to air condition the garage space and leave it running 9 months a year, which is not affordable.

Thanks in Advance, for any advice you can provide.

 

[tamaraw]

What type of tools are we talking and what sort of material/finishes?

Ex: raw steel/iron, chromed, black oxide, painted, etc.

You could try dessicants near the tools, oiling the metal, or maybe some sort of vaccum box storage.

 

[iamhomeless]

Clean them when you are done using them, then spray them with an anti rust oil, most anything will do, but I like the wd40 branded spray. That will keep moisture from contacting the steel and prevent rust from starting.

Oil prevents rust much better than a dessicsnt pack ever will and lasts much longer, and it's way cheaper than an AC bill.

 

[RTM]

Bullfrog VCIs in your toolboxes, and keep them closed when not in use. They are volume specific, so better to be too big than too small.

Bull Frog - The Complete RUST & Corrosion Protection System | Cortec Corporation

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Edit: I am a woodworker, so no oil on tools for me.

 

[kbeefy]

I had the same issue in Hawaii.

Wipe them down with oil or WD 40

 

[Jacobs976]

Use oils(3-in-1, WD40, motor oil, etc.) for hand tools. Best option is a liquid you can dunk the tool in or soak a rag in then wipe it down after using.

Large surfaces (tool boxes, tables, saw decks, vices, etc) use a wax. There's a variety, some people like pure beeswax or paraffin or one mixed with an oil. They're not particularly good for high contact but keep moisture off the metal sometimes better than oil especially on surfaces that see less movement.

 

[ecotec]

I like Fluid Film for hand tools.

 

[demarpaint]

I wipe my tools down with a little oil and put them back in the toolbox. They live in a humid garage in the Northeast, no problems to report. Having said that they will rust if not wiped with oil.

 

[GlennSullivan]

What type of tools are we talking and what sort of material/finishes?

Ex: raw steel/iron, chromed, black oxide, painted, etc.

You could try dessicants near the tools, oiling the metal, or maybe some sort of vaccum box storage.

Hand Tools. Wrenches, pliers screwdrivers, hammers, all quality stuff that never rusted in the northeast.

 

[GlennSullivan]

Thanks for the info provided.

 

[AirMech#406]

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/birchwood-casey-barricade-rust-protection-for-firearms-45-oz

I use Barricade gun rust prevention oil. Works well so far and doesnt leave an oily mess everywhere

 

[d.mcfarland]

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/birchwood-casey-barricade-rust-protection-for-firearms-45-oz

I use Barricade gun rust prevention oil. Works well so far and doesnt leave an oily mess everywhere

This.

Any gun oil or car undercoating like Krown or Fluid Film would be best.

I can't believe people still use WD40 or other penetrating oils and think it prevents rust. Maybe for a few weeks at most? Other than that it isn't sticking around.

Gun oil is practically the same price but made for that purpose.

I personally use Krown because it's proven itself in my situation.

 

[Shiftless]

Another vote for Fluid Film

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

Dehumidifier

 

[LWB]

This.

Any gun oil or car undercoating like Krown or Fluid Film would be best.

I can't believe people still use WD40 or other penetrating oils and think it prevents rust. Maybe for a few weeks at most? Other than that it isn't sticking around.

Gun oil is practically the same price but made for that purpose.

I personally use Krown because it's proven itself in my situation.

WD may not be the best but it's always done a good enough job for me. Sometimes I open the drawer and spray the whole thing down such as a file drawer. I've had zero rust issues. It also doesn't stain and smells good

 

[sweet victory]

What I've been using close to the ocean and have had zero issues with rust.

CorrosionX Aviation – Corrosion Technologies

MIL SPEC AVIATION CORROSION PREVENTON & CONTROL COMPOUND MIL-PRF-81309H Type II (current)MIL-PRF-81309H Type IV (current)MIL-PRF-81309G Type II (thru 2018)MIL-PRF-81309F Type II (thru 2014)MIL-C-81309E Type II (thru 2005)Boeing Part No.: RMO 16679Pratt & Whitney Part No.: PWC15-011Cessna Spec...

www.corrosionx.com

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Put a fan in to circulate air, don't touch bare steel with bare fingers and douse everything in CRC 3-36 is my strategy.