How to keep my tools from rusting?

[Foch]

I have to store my tools in a basement. If I'm not carefull some of them can develope pretty bad rust quickly. Any ideas or storage method that can solve this problem? Just spray them with WD-40 on a regular basis?

Thanks...

 

[Kestas]

I'll bet it's a summer-only problem. If they're rusting in your basement, you need a dehumidifier. The humidity also isn't good for other items that are also stored in the basement, such as leather and electronics. I found that out early on when I bought my first home. Then there's the mold issue...

 

[94supraonchrome]

I second the dehumidifier, good investment for a damp area.

 

[severach]

The tools you use for auto work should get a thin grease coating that protects them from rust. Do not remove this coating with solvents.

 

[ksJoe]

Fluid Film is supposed to be good for this. I got a can as a free sample, and use it to spray hand tools after I get them wet. It seems to work ok. But I don't know if it works better or worse than other products.

 

[tom slick]

Amsoil MP is great for coating tools. Once "dry" it doesn't feel oily and doesn't have a strong odor. Right now I'm trying corrosionX.

WD40 will get the job done but isn't my first choice.

 

[Foch]

Thanks for the tips...I'll look into a better lube for coating the tools than WD-40.

 

[jstutz]

are these tools you use, or are they just being stored? Meaning could you put them in plastic bags with a light coat of oil for the winter. I do that for my extra chainsaw chians and it works well.

 

[bigmike]

I would also recommend that each time you get ready to put your tools away to wipe them down with a clean rag. Tools are pretty similar to my rifles and I always coat them with a light oil and keep my hands off of them when putting them away by using a rag to hold onto them.

A light oil such as Hoppes would be my choice:

http://www.hoppes.com/products/lube_weatherguard.html
http://www.hoppes.com/products/mstr_dsplcng_oil.html
http://www.hoppes.com/products/lubricating_oil.html

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Amsoil MP is great for coating tools. Once "dry" it doesn't feel oily and doesn't have a strong odor. ...
WD40 will get the job done but isn't my first choice.


I second the Amsoil MP.

 

[Cup of Joe]

I own and use Amsoil MP for some things but I am finding Fluid film to be better for corrosion resistance plus it contains no solvents.

http://www.fluid-film.com/

Amsoil MP contains allot of solvents. It is a good product no doubt but for corrosion prevention Amsoil MPHD is better but who wants waxy tools when you need them. I'd rather wipe my tools with a rag coated in Fluid Film.

To bad you are in Maine I have a dehumidifier I really don't need, it works great though. If you do have allot of hummidty you better consider how all that water is going to get out of the machines tank. If you have a drain you can use a hose attachment. My tank was 3/4 full every day I ran it. You may not want to be emptying a tank of water every day.

 

[Kestas]

There are units that can automatically pump water up and out once it reaches a certain level. I have one for the A/C condensate on my furnace.