I recently put a weight bench in my garage. It is in the center of the garage and not near any water or other moisture. However, it has only been there for about 4 days and the weight bar already has spots of rust on it! I've noticed that some of my older hand tools get covered in rust in a short period of time in my garage as well. Is there something other than water that could be causing metal to rust so fast?
2007-07-09 17:22:14 · 7 answers · asked by Max 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Actually yes, I live about 5 miles from the ocean. That would probably explain it.
2007-07-10 18:10:02 · update #1
Humidity. Make sure you wipe down and completely dry bar 100% everythime you use, or even daily for best protection.
Doesn't have to be just water touching it. Sweat and humidity are just as bad.
2007-07-09 17:26:45 · answer #1 · answered by pa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Humidity in the air and the fact that porous objects retain an average water content of 20%. I have had this problem as well. Humidity can range from about 5% to 100% in the air. This is enough to cause things to rust. Most rust will occur in the spring/summer when humidity often rises well above 30% out of doors and this is regardless of whether it is in a garage or shed, the humidity level will be the same as in the open air. Indoor humidity seldom rises above 20% in the summer due to A/C.
2007-07-10 00:29:17 · answer #2 · answered by rich e rich 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Main problem is humidity! And depending on where you live, the type of humidity. For example; do you live in a coastal state where the humid air can contain salt. The best thing you can do is move the items into an area where the humidity can be controlled like an air conditioned room. However, if this is not possible, you can clean the rust off and paint the exposed surfaces with a spray paint and primer made for metal. i.e. Rustoleum.
2007-07-10 00:40:56 · answer #3 · answered by Tincan Navy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live in a climate that is humid like the south or north east then the moisture in the air is probably causing it. You can use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity level. Otherwise oil your iron tools to reduce the rusting.
If you by any chance have any oxygen tanks stored in your garage like for a cutting torch make sure they are not leaking. Oxygen will accelrate the rusting process.
2007-07-10 01:52:36 · answer #4 · answered by mike b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even in a relatively 'dry' area, you'd be surprised at just how much moisture gets sucked up thru the concrete floor. Then there is also the more humid areas to consider.
Try sealing the concrete floor, and install a dehumidifier. In the meantime, block things up and/or lay down plastic.. do not set things directly on the bare concrete.
Good Luck
2007-07-10 02:37:24 · answer #5 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a moisture problem. Either put a humidifier out there or wipe all your mental things down with WD-40 and keep them covered to prevent rust.
2007-07-10 05:34:20 · answer #6 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beyond humidity and moisture..do by chance live within 20 miles of salt water,ocean, sea etc.? Salt air will do it also..I used to rinse my vehicles every day with faucet water to rinse the residual salt off them when I lived on the ocean
2007-07-10 07:02:38 · answer #7 · answered by pcbeachrat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋