How do I keep my tools from rusting?

Question

I keep my Tools in the garage where there is no heat except when Im there useing them.
Which isn't often anymore like I did when a few years back.

They are in a large Craftmans Roll away Tool Box.

The problem is that they seem to get rusty from just sitting there from the cold frost to the warmer days.

I have tried putting a lite coating of oil on them with no results.

Any ideas to help keep them from rusting would be greatful.
Thanks..

Answer 1

You can purchase silica gel packs at many locations. Just toss one into each drawer. They will absorb the moisture in the space - no moisture, no rust.

Some versions are re-usable (you heat them up to remove what moisture theyve absorbed), but the disposables are fairly economic.

Just do an online search for "dessicant", and you'll find several suppliers.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Just wipe them clean after every use and coat them with a light oil every once and a while. I have several craftsman tools that have lasted years sitting out in a cold garage with little to no maintenance and they have no rust on them at all. Also if they are craftsman and the wrenches, sockets or ratchets get all rusty you can just break them take them back and get a new on for free, they have a life time warranty and sears is pretty good about replacing them.

Answer 3

1 - use something to get rid of the moisture
2 - apply a light coat of wd-40 over all tools

Damp Rid is a really good product. I use it in my boat cabin during winter storage. In the spring, the whole bottom of the bucket is filled with the water it absorbed. They are not expensive either.

Finally, you could put a layer of old towels under and over your tools. This will get them off of any metal drawers or shelving, while the towels will also absorb moisture. This is getting a little anal though.

Answer 4

There is a special paper made that in which you can wrap your tools to keep them from rust. I don't know the name of the stuff, but I bought a bunch of it at an auction once and it works great. I also have a supply of tools in my unheated garage and they stay nice and rust free wrapped in this paper. It may be available at Sears, couldn't hurt to chek.

Answer 5

After using them and cleaning them, coat them with WD-40. WD-40 was originally invented to keep the bottom of ships from rusting.

Answer 6

Same situation.
WD40 is ok to clean up but that's about it.
For long term storage, try a gunshop for "Cosmolene" & tightly wrap the tools in heavy wax paper.
For tools I use regularly , I wipe them down with pastewax or
coat them lightly with Minwax oil finish.
Does not last forever but you will not have a mess every time you pick something up.
Best regards

Answer 7

Get yourself a can of," Johnson's Paste Wax". I use that on all my tools. Not only does it protect them from rusting, it make's things like handsaws glide through the wood. I love that product.

Answer 8

soak them in motor oil for a couple days then let then drip dry on some rags for a couple of days then put away.
this worked for me

Answer 9

i worked in a metal shop where we had bare metal ground plates that would rust easily we used LPS 3 a rust inhibitor worked great http://www.marvgolden.com/aircraft-supply/lps3.htm

Answer 10

did you spray them with wd40? that's not a petrolium oil, it does not protect or last.i keep a lightly oiled rag over my wrenches and sockets. it works in my garage.