The Shop > Tools

Keeping rust off tools

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superc:
Since the finish appearance on many of my tools is unimportant as long as function is not impaired and since my basement is indeed a damp (and cold) one, long ago I began treating steel stuff prone to rust with Jasco.  A phosporic acid maganese dip for metal prep, grey in color usually.  Then when the dip is dry, I oil the tool with an oily rag.  So far (20 years for some of the screw drivers, taps and the ilk) so good.  It destroys the bluing on firearms so keep it away from them.  A WW2 memorial museum down South went under water during Hurricane Katrina.  What they found out (the hard way) a few weeks later was the steel that had been lightly coated with wax (the real kind, not the spray bottle stuff) survived virtually without injury.  The steel that had been oiled down rusted.  I suppose that if I was going to drawer queen some bits and end mills I might dip them in melted beeswax and that should keep them safe for my great grandchildren to find and sell as estate antiques.  Of course right now I don't have much in the way of spare bits needing such preservation methodology.  Regarding mill and lathe beds, I am not sure.  I am noticing discoloration beginning to creep onto the bed of my mill at the edges even though I always wipe it down with an oily rag.  I may try Jasco on it but right now it is just a faint discoloration. 

Arbalist:

--- Quote from: AR1911 on October 01, 2013, 08:09:43 PM ---I started using lanolin a few months ago. When it was hot (and humid) I just brushed it on every piece of bare metal in the shop. I wiped off the excess with a clean rag and I use that lanolin-soaked rag for touchups. I have not seen a speck of rust so far, except a couple of places that did not get lanolin. So far that seems to be the solution for me. Winter into Spring will be the real test, although it's been quite humid here.

--- End quote ---

That's what I've been using. I've mixed it with Isopropyl alcohol to paint onto large areas.

mfletch:
WD40 is no good I use a spray called double D I get it from JTF it leaves a fine wax or grease when it dries

Stilldrillin:

--- Quote from: mfletch on January 29, 2014, 02:22:03 PM ---WD40 is no good
--- End quote ---

It's done a very good job of protecting my machinery and tools, over the past 10 years.
While sharing the concrete garage with an, (often) wet car.......

David D

Arbalist:
I've had no luck with WD40 either. I sprayed it on the table of my old milling machine many years ago and when I went into the garage a week later it was covered in rust  :Doh:

I have a tin of Tallow somewhere, anyone tried that?

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