Stopping Rust and Removing On Tools??

[tcr1016]

I am in Texas, and my tools get rusted. Especially the inside of my sockets.

What is the best way to remove the rust, without ruining the chrome or outer finish? I was told Vineger, but it strips all the finish off.
And what is the best way to keep from rusting? Gun oil that is drys, or WD40?

 

[gdocktor3]

There's literally a million threads on this. I've always used a wire brush for copper fittings or a brillo pad. If they're heavily rusted you will still see the pits and discolored metal. You can use a wire wheel on a bench grinder for the outsides, but it will most likely take the protective coat off. I have every defense mechanism in box for rust defense. Camphor blocks, desiccant packets, VCI paper, and if I use the tools in a really wet or dirty, greasy environment I wipe them down with one of many oily rags I have laying around. I live in CT and our winters are 50 degrees during the day and 30 at night. Every morning I open up my box, the cold tools meet the warm air and become completely covered in sweat. It really *****... I've actually wiped every new tool dry before.

I have also saved completely rust covered tools by using wire wheels on grinders, and then just spray painted them with rustoleum. Now they're my beater tools and I'm not worried about hammering or using cheater bars on them.

 

[tcr1016]

I am wondering how I derust the inside of my sockets?

 

[pendragon1998]

Try taking a piece of 1/4" dowel and slitting one end to slide in a piece of scotchbrite pad or sandpaper. Chuck the other end in a drill and spin the dowel inside the socket.

 

[bob15]

Use them!! Who cares about the inside of the socket? It is surface rust that will come off the next time you use it. Outside of the sockets, wipe them with light oil if you must.

 

[gdocktor3]

Here's the same thread from a few days ago. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=324867

 

[bob15]

I live in CT and our winters are 50 degrees during the day and 30 at night.

You might want to check your temps, they are slightly too warm.....

Our part of CT typically has winters in the upper 20's for highs and single digits at night.....

 

[gdocktor3]

You might want to check your temps, they are slightly too warm.....

Our part of CT typically has winters in the upper 20's for highs and single digits at night.....

I'm pretty sure I wore shorts on Christmas Eve. Yep. Yes I did.

 

[bob15]

I'm pretty sure I wore shorts on Christmas Eve. Yep. Yes I did.

For one year....that was a huge fluke. To say that that is normal or insinuate it is (the way I read it from you) wrong. Remember last winter? When it was a record cold one?

 

[JJThrasher]

I just use mine. That tends to keep off must of the rust. For the couple that need it I give them a roll in the oil drain pan for a light coating.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I'm pretty sure I wore shorts on Christmas Eve. Yep. Yes I did.

Where in CT are AVERAGE Winter temps in the 50s.........We in VT usually laugh at you CT guys, but this is beyond that!

Anyway, I see temps go from 0F to 45F in hours if I am forced to work on big projects mid Winter, and WD40 has always worked for me.... not because best, but because cheapest. Spray on draws of ****, especially impact/non chromed, and it has yet to fail me.

On that note, where the hell in Texas is rust a problem?..... unless AC fails frequently?

 

[ZRX61]

I am wondering how I derust the inside of my sockets?

I glass-bead the insides of any rusty ones I rescue.

 

[gdocktor3]

For one year....that was a huge fluke. To say that that is normal or insinuate it is (the way I read it from you) wrong. Remember last winter? When it was a record cold one?

Where in CT are AVERAGE Winter temps in the 50s.........We in VT usually laugh at you CT guys, but this is beyond that!

Anyway, I see temps go from 0F to 45F in hours if I am forced to work on big projects mid Winter, and WD40 has always worked for me.... not because best, but because cheapest. Spray on draws of ****, especially impact/non chromed, and it has yet to fail me.

On that note, where the hell in Texas is rust a problem?..... unless AC fails frequently?

You guys blew this way out of proportion. YOU'RE RIGHT AND I'M WRONG.
Though it is April, it was 50 degrees all week long and they're calling for snow tomorrow.

 

[General Geoff]

Twp major ways to prevent rust. One is to form a moisture barrier on the tools with oil, wax, or some other coating. The other is to remove moisture from the air surrounding the tools where they are stored. A third potential option is to control the temperature of the air surrounding the tools, which should minimize condensation and correspondingly, rust.

 

[vga]

I spray mine with tri flow each fall and that's about it. Its surface rust I don't dwell on it, I just use them.