Unheated tool storage/rusting issues

[LSU]

I have an off site workshop/garage that I work in sometimes 4 times a week for a couple of weeks and then sometimes I don't go there for a month or so.

Tools are stored in upright chests out of the weather reseting on tool drawer liners (maybe Kobalt brand or Craftsman). The tools are stored in an unheated garage where there is almost no air circulation when the door is closed

I had been gone from the site for about 2 weeks and the area had some suddent temperature changes..

Yesterday I opened my tool chest and there was a fair armount of condensation on almost all of my tools. I live in an area where the humidity runs pretty high.

What are you using on your tools to wipe them down to give them long term protection? I'm thinking of something I can wipe them down with to better protect them from the inevitable moisture. I've used WD40 and other products recently but I'm looking for some suggestions for a longer term protection.

Suggestions?

Thanks.

Thanks.

 

[harvero]

Can you run a de-humdifier in your shop? Keep the air dry and hopefully there will not be any condensation on your tools.

 

[CamarosRus]

FLUID-FILM Corrosion Prevention

FLUID-FILM Rust Inhibitor

WD-40 in lab tests against corrosion is virtually the same as using nothing at all.

 

[LSU]

Can you run a de-humdifier in your shop? Keep the air dry and hopefully there will not be any condensation on your tools.

I thought about this but I throw the main breaker when I'm not there so I don't have electricity.

I've used dehumdifers before with mixed results. I've got one running in a more climate controlled area but I don't think I'd want to run one large enough to help with this problem.

 

[Mustang1167]

My tools are in an attatched garage with no heat so i have the same issues. Ive been using wd-40 to wipe them down. Most recently i just used a can of Liquid wrench silicone and sprayed a mist on top of them when i know i wont have time to finish any projects. So far no problems except a few impact sets i cant seem to keep rust off. You could try the moisture absorbers that come in packages if you can find them in a large package

 

[LSU]

FLUID-FILM Corrosion Prevention

FLUID-FILM Rust Inhibitor

WD-40 in lab tests against corrosion is virtually the same as using nothing at all.

I might give this stuff a try.

I agree with you about WD 40.

I've got a bunch of stuff for firearms that I might try also.

Thanks.

 

[pipsters]

ZeRust tool box liners. Last 5 years. I use the product in my shotgun case as well.

http://www.zerustproducts.com/toolbox-tackle-box/drawer-liners

Cheap. No messy **** all over your tools.

 

[woody 73]

Sounds crazy but it works; I use a can of wax paste on my machines and I use them on some of my tools that I store in my basement. If you need to get the wax off just use WD-40 it works just don't ask me how!

 

[humber2]

Try lanolin from inox and you won't be buying CRC or WD-4d again

http://inoxlube-usa.com/

 

[Bad Jackson]

I save every desicant pack I get, you know the little Chicklet looking ones that say DO NOT EAT. I lay em in each drawer. You can get big ones when you change out the media in your blasting cabinet, but I put most of them in the cabinet when not in use. I guess we don't get crazy humidity like some places in the US. Its 20% right now...

 

[Avgas]

Desiccant packs on every drawer is the way to go

I save every desicant pack I get, you know the little Chicklet looking ones that say DO NOT EAT. I lay em in each drawer. You can get big ones when you change out the media in your blasting cabinet, but I put most of them in the cabinet when not in use. I guess we don't get crazy humidity like some places in the US. Its 20% right now...

 

[srmofo]

I save every desicant pack I get, you know the little Chicklet looking ones that say DO NOT EAT. I lay em in each drawer. You can get big ones when you change out the media in your blasting cabinet, but I put most of them in the cabinet when not in use. I guess we don't get crazy humidity like some places in the US. Its 20% right now...

I do that too, Wife looks at me like Im crazy because I save these things. I still dont think she knows what I do with them...probably thinks Im eating them quietly in a closet somewhere

 

[geologist]

Clean your tools with WD40, then wax them with Johnson's Paste Wax.

 

[Flash21]

tons and tons and thread on this, you might want to do a search because there is a lot of GREAT information on the topic.

Start with this, though:

http://www.home-machine-shop.com/Rust-Off.htm

 

[lwlobo]

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now. I had a good deal of condensation on my tools today after it being cold and foggy last night and then was pretty nice today.

I'm going to be getting some dessicant packs and keeping in there.

I am also contemplating a goldenrod type system that is used in gunsafes. Not sure how well it would work in a toolbox with drawers instead of open space like a gun safe, also I don't think it would have enough energy to keep the tools warmer than the air when the air starts warming up in the morning. This is the real issue with tools and condensation, they stay cool after the air has begun to warm up and this creates condensation. It's generally worse with thicker or heavier tools since they warm up slower.

I think I need a climate controlled garage...

 

[reddog289]

Last year was the first year I have not use my furnace in the garage. And this spring seemed like everything on the one side of the garage had surface rust. The otherside I had been using a propane camping heater. Hopefully my new thermostat will cut down on my rusting problem if I run my furnace at least once a week. Any thoughts on that?. I should start saving my little packets of moisture eater too.