Rust on tools
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Rust on tools
I keep my tools in the garage which is under my house. I have noticed that I am getting some light surface rust on all my hand tools, especially where I have the sockets put on the Craftsman metal socket racks.
What's the fastest way to clean all this up and prevent it? I usually go thru my tools with WD-40 and a rag, but can't keep up lately. I don't have a parts cleaner or anything like that.
I was thinking of switching to the new plactic socket racks too... Does Sears replace rusty tools? Or do they consider it abuse, normal wear and tear, etc?
What's the fastest way to clean all this up and prevent it? I usually go thru my tools with WD-40 and a rag, but can't keep up lately. I don't have a parts cleaner or anything like that.
I was thinking of switching to the new plactic socket racks too... Does Sears replace rusty tools? Or do they consider it abuse, normal wear and tear, etc?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Helotes, Texas
I agree with Torque, you have a humidity problem. No one is going to replsce your tools for rust, it just happens. Don't use WD-40, some of the ingredients can actually cause rust. Use a good firearms oil or rust preventative, not a rust/corrosion penetrater.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville, FL
All,
True, penetrating oils has a corrosive element to them much like brake fluid. When you wipe your tools down use a rag that has some oil on it. This fine coat of oil should slow down or prevent ruct from advancing. Once steel starts to rust it is impossible to turn back the hands of time. Most tools are chrome coated which resist corrosion well. The coating is either not present or damaged.
You get what you pay for,
KingFisher
True, penetrating oils has a corrosive element to them much like brake fluid. When you wipe your tools down use a rag that has some oil on it. This fine coat of oil should slow down or prevent ruct from advancing. Once steel starts to rust it is impossible to turn back the hands of time. Most tools are chrome coated which resist corrosion well. The coating is either not present or damaged.
You get what you pay for,
KingFisher
Senior User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Powell River, B.C.
It's interesting that gun oils are suggested and I'm certainly not going to argue the quality of them but I have been told many times and have found it true that a coating of 30 wt. automotive oil is the best coating for longtime storage of firearms, other than cosmoline and the really dedicated coatings.
WD-40 (Water Displacing - 40th formula) is NOT the stuff for tool storage. Wonderful cleaner, chases water out of rifle and pistol actions really well but is a poor lubricant and not a good protector of parts.
Pat
WD-40 (Water Displacing - 40th formula) is NOT the stuff for tool storage. Wonderful cleaner, chases water out of rifle and pistol actions really well but is a poor lubricant and not a good protector of parts.
Pat
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Dang! And here I have been using WD-40 for everything! I thought that stuff had oil in it for preservatives. I need to reclean about 20 guns then...
Yeah, the garage is unheated. It gets humid and hot in the summer, and cold in the winter. Maybe one of these days I will spring for a heating system down there...
Yeah, the garage is unheated. It gets humid and hot in the summer, and cold in the winter. Maybe one of these days I will spring for a heating system down there...
Senior User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Powell River, B.C.
It's a great cleaner, one of the best but as far as a lubricant goes it's not a great choice. I really like break free, light weapons grade oil from the surplus stores and and I also use Tri-Flow to slick things up.
For storage 30 wt. for just use, the surplus stuff is my favorite.
I've gotta do the clean and oil of a bunch of sockets and wrenches myself. Oh well, part of the fun.
Pat
For storage 30 wt. for just use, the surplus stuff is my favorite.
I've gotta do the clean and oil of a bunch of sockets and wrenches myself. Oh well, part of the fun.
Pat
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 759
Likes: 0
From: Omaha
CRC make a tool lube called Tool Guard I use that and have some good luck with it so far. The can was like 3 bucks and it is huge.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
For cast iron tools you can use wax to prevent rusting. Something like a hard bar of pure beeswax works great and is cheap and non-messy. Never had much problem with steel tools rusting.
I've never seen a chrome plated socket get rusty except some that have been left outside lying on the ground for 10+ years. If you got chrome plated sockets that are rusting up I would call that defective.
Also if you are heating the garage with propane or natural gas you could also turn down the heat (or turn it off) to reduce humidity levels. Both of those fuels throw water vapor in the air when burned. Going to a sealed combustion unit might make a difference also.
I've never seen a chrome plated socket get rusty except some that have been left outside lying on the ground for 10+ years. If you got chrome plated sockets that are rusting up I would call that defective.
Also if you are heating the garage with propane or natural gas you could also turn down the heat (or turn it off) to reduce humidity levels. Both of those fuels throw water vapor in the air when burned. Going to a sealed combustion unit might make a difference also.
