Ive been dealing with some tool condensation issues and was wondering if a dehumidifier would help at all? Maybe a toolbox cover? Hasnt really been an issue in the past but it seems this winter we are constantly having big temp swings every other week and my tools are colder than the outside temp. One week it be 30-40 the next it will be 60-70. So when i pull a tool out it instantly becomes wet. Ive been leaving some fans running, ive also thrown some silica packets in the drawers and change the regularly. Its helped some. My torque wrenches seem to be the worst about it, maybe the plastic cases hold in the cold?
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Tool box condensation
- Thread starter mike14_07
- Start date
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Will a dehumidifier help to dry stuff out? Yes, yes it will
I have kept a dehumidifier in my garage for years. Helps a ton
I have kept a dehumidifier in my garage for years. Helps a ton
Vtor
Well-known member
Try low cost, low wattage heating mat placed in lowest drawer. Like stuff they use for getting plants started in cold green houses.
Upside - tools are not ice cold in winter.
Upside - tools are not ice cold in winter.
What's your location, some places have a higher humidity than others.
I'd also guess your garage is not insulated ? Even without heat or cooling, a fully insulated garage will deter the full temp swings that incur a lot of condensation.
I'd also guess your garage is not insulated ? Even without heat or cooling, a fully insulated garage will deter the full temp swings that incur a lot of condensation.
Captain Spaulding
Well-known member
Dehumidifiers do virtually nothing below 60 degrees. The secret to avoiding condensation is to avoid rapid temperature changes. Cold steel when contacted by warm air is going to get wet.
housewolf
Well-known member
In the simplest terms -
Condensation occurs when the tools are at or below the dew point of the air. You need to either keep the tools above that temperature or control the dew point in the room or inside the box. Covering (insulating) the box may help in a certain situation but without controlling the tool temps or controlling the air you’re really aiming at a moving target. If your tools have been in a 60* room for days and their surface temp is 60* and the dew point goes up to 65, they will condensate. Air temps and dew points fluctuate so being right on the edge isn’t likely to be 100% effective
I don’t know what part of the country you’re in but I‘ve been experiencing big swings in temps this winter too. It’s common where I live. My shop is foam insulated (no air conditioning yet) and I don’t have that problem as long as I keep it closed. The other day it was warm and humid, I opened the bay door and the concrete floor instantly began to sweat. I closed the door, turned a fan on and it dried out pretty quick.
Condensation occurs when the tools are at or below the dew point of the air. You need to either keep the tools above that temperature or control the dew point in the room or inside the box. Covering (insulating) the box may help in a certain situation but without controlling the tool temps or controlling the air you’re really aiming at a moving target. If your tools have been in a 60* room for days and their surface temp is 60* and the dew point goes up to 65, they will condensate. Air temps and dew points fluctuate so being right on the edge isn’t likely to be 100% effective
I don’t know what part of the country you’re in but I‘ve been experiencing big swings in temps this winter too. It’s common where I live. My shop is foam insulated (no air conditioning yet) and I don’t have that problem as long as I keep it closed. The other day it was warm and humid, I opened the bay door and the concrete floor instantly began to sweat. I closed the door, turned a fan on and it dried out pretty quick.
I was having a lot of issues with condensation causing rust and mold in my uninsulated garage.
I bought the most efficient humidifier they had at the home depot and set it up to run and drain out to the driveway. Last winter I just turned it off since it was below freezing for most of the winter.
This year it's been swinging a lot, so I have mostly left it plugged in unless I know it's going to be cold for a while.
I also have issues with high humidity in general due to poor drainage from water coming off the hill behind the garage. The summer of '21 was really bad because it rained so much, but last year we got almost no rain so it has been a lot less of an issue.
I bought the most efficient humidifier they had at the home depot and set it up to run and drain out to the driveway. Last winter I just turned it off since it was below freezing for most of the winter.
This year it's been swinging a lot, so I have mostly left it plugged in unless I know it's going to be cold for a while.
I also have issues with high humidity in general due to poor drainage from water coming off the hill behind the garage. The summer of '21 was really bad because it rained so much, but last year we got almost no rain so it has been a lot less of an issue.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Reptile heat pads under the bottom drawer in the bottom of your toolbox. Drill a hole in the back to run the power cord. Put them between a pair of ceramic tiles. Within a day the whole stack is toasty & dry.
yhprum
Well-known member
For protecting tools in your box, but just putting a sheet over the toolbox when not in use will minimise actual condensation of the tools. The heating element will also help by effevively increasing the dew point.