Storing stuff un unheated shed

[BeachBoy]

I have a well ventilated but not yet insulated shed. Temperatures range wildly as I live on the Canadian border. It goes above or below freezing multiple times during the winter.

I'm wondering if I can store items like metal nails, tools, oils and other fluids?

Is there a risk of rust of for the fluids to react?

I have a lot of stuff that I'd gladly move out of the garage to the shed but I really fear rust issues...

Thanks to share your knowledge/experience!

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[Dagny]

Is there a concrete slab in it.

 

[bcradio]

What is the humidity there?

Here it is very very low so not much issue.

 

[BeachBoy]

Is there a concrete slab in it.

Yes concrete slab.

It's built exactly like a house (vented soffit, tyvek, etc.)

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[BeachBoy]

What is the humidity there?

Here it is very very low so not much issue.

It's quite high.

My thought was to put a baseboard heater to keep it just above freezing and dry the air but electricity is not connected yet.

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[wesst]

I have the same set up as described in a 12'x12' shed. I used "Y" shaped adapters permitting two light bulbs into a single receptacle. I used 100 watt bulbs (total of four) and it seems to keep things above freezing temps.

 

[GasNSteering]

I use silica gel packs to absorb moisture in my toolboxes. My garage is un heated most of the time so when I turn on the heater it could swing 30 degrees pretty quick so the gel packs work well. I use a thermometer that records hi and low for temp and humidity for a running period of time. Got it from Amazon for 10 bucks.

 

[G_P]

I have an unheated shed as well. Not on a concrete slab though, its up on concrete blocks and air can flow under it. I store all kinds of automotive fluids in there along with a small toolbox with the basics of tools in it.
That shed can get well over 100 in the summer and below zero in the winter.
No issues with rust and I have never had anything happen to the fluids other than the oils getting thicker when its real cold outside. I even have some aerosol cans that have been in there for 10+ years and they still spray fine and the bottoms are not rusty. I have small gable vents on each end to allow airflow so that if any moisture gets in it can escape.

 

[woody 73]

Bulk nail will rust fast (ask me how I know this) When the Temperature drops with wild swings everything in my man cave sweats at the speed of light so I am always spraying WD-40 over everything.

One trick I did learn is too take an old rag covered in oil and grease and cover everything in it just before the cold season starts and I am working less in my man cave. Then come the start of spring everything can be cleaned with a new shop rag. Mind you if you need to work in the cold just a simple clean up and before you put the tools away grab that old oil and grease rag and use it again to wipe the tools down.

 

[BeachBoy]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think I'll transfer some stuff over but not the tools.

I'm glad all my oils and fluids can be moved as they take a lot of space

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[Roberts210]

I've stored lots of steel/iron in my unheated barn and have for 20+ years. I've found if I put small steel/iron pieces (chisels, wrenches, etc) into a cloth bag, or a paper bag, or a toolbox they do not rust over the winter. I also have a drill press, table saw, jointer in the barn, and every fall I cover the tables with cardboard--no rust when Spring comes around.

 

[Outlander]

The Can-Am garage is unheated. I move some fluids that will freeze inside the basement for the winter, otherwise I'm stuck!

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[jimbbski]

Condensation is the enemy in unheated buildings and storing anything that is metal. When the temp changes outside any metal items will be slow to change to the current temp. If it gets warmer, and warmer air carries more moisture, then you get condensation on those metal items, if bare then you also get rust.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Not far from the border either. I have an unheated garage, with all of the same kinds of things you mentioned. My Craftsman wrenches, socket and screwdriver have all survived the wide swing in temperature and humidity over the years. HF "specialty" pliers have rusted quickly, when not oiled.

Screws, mail, nuts and bolts have not rusted much. Some of that is because I store them in small zipper plastic bags. Lawn chemicals, fertilizer, auto fluids have all survived well.

If you have items that you are really concerned about, buy some 4 mil zipper bags. Place the items in the bags and seal them when you are INSIDE your house.

If you have deep pockets. insulate the shed and install a mini-split heat pump. Add a recliner, beer fridge and a TV and you have a man cave !

 

[TheGrooveking]

If you can place it in plastic bags, use your shop vac to pull out the air and then tie off the bag very tightly will greatly minimize the amount humidity / effect from temperature swings that result in condensation.

TheGrooveking