Tool rust in humid garage

spasm3

spasm3

Joined
May 30, 2010
Messages
15,984
Location
North Carolina
I have tools that get surface rust even in my tool chest. Kano labs has 2 products that look like they might be the ticket. One is Weatherpruf The other is Prevox http://www.kanolabs.com/indSpec.html Which one would you use on your wrenches, pliers sockets etc. Both are available in spray cans. $15. I'm leaning toward the Prevox. Thanks
 
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Might be easier / better to throw a couple sachets of desiccant in there.
 
Of the two you picked Prevox. Desiccant sachets help. I wipe all my tools down with clean oil, once or twice a year. A very thin coat hardly noticeable which seems to work well.
 
I had mechanics tools and garden tools in a shed in my backyard in Virginia for years, and never got any rust. Is there any way you can get more air circulation in the garage? That's probably why I never got rust. There was plenty of ventilation.
 
Originally Posted by JerryBob
I had mechanics tools and garden tools in a shed in my backyard in Virginia for years, and never got any rust. Is there any way you can get more air circulation in the garage? That's probably why I never got rust. There was plenty of ventilation.
I'm guilty of not wiping own my tools with oil like i should. My garage is also not insulated nor does it have a vapor barrier under the sheet rock( except on the wall connecting the home). I'm not sure all that matters, i could run a drum fan every now and then. I just though if i need to use something on the tools, would one of those products be better than oil. More expensive yes.
 
I just spray it down with wd-40. Still look like new, unless I forget. I like wd-40 cause it doesn't have a strong aroma to it.
 
Ballistol on a rag. The one coating is waxy - no good for stuff youll handle - will make a mess all over your hands. The other one (Weatherpruf) doesnt indicate the applied consistency, but I dont think its necessary all the same. Dessicant packets wont work because a humid garage is essentially unsealed and youll be removing humidity from the atmosphere - which is a losing proposition. Ive just wiped tools with ballistol, including the chrome and black oxide tools I keep in my unconditioned, and marginally sealed detached garage, with zero issues. Plus, ballistol is non toxic for when the time comes that you need to actually handle your tools...
 
I use VCI paper in my tool box drawers, Comes with just about all crate engines & many other cast iron parts. Last 2-3 years before having to change the papers out. WD-40 is about the worst anti corrosion film you could possibly use!!
 
I grew up in New England. Easy. I now live in Alabama on the gulf coast, what a difference. Everything is wet every morning, rain or not, almost year round. The tools I use often are wiped down with a paper towel wet with PB Blaster. Cleans them and leaves a light film which will dry, and I like the smell. Buy a gallon w/sprayer from ZORO with a 25% discount code for $15.32. Impacts and tools that rust easily, I wipe down with chain oil. $7.00/gal at TSC. If they are too slippery for the next use, I hit them with a little brake cleaner. Works for me. John
 
I keep almost all tools in the basement furnace room. The water heater is a heat pump which dehumidifies the air. We also have central air conditioning running from May thru early October. No corrosion issues. I always seem to be up/down the steps for tools, but only one level. Perhaps you may consider tool relocation.
 
Originally Posted by JHZR2
Dessicant packets wont work because a humid garage is essentially unsealed and youll be removing humidity from the atmosphere - which is a losing proposition.
I hear ya bro but have hopes that inside a closed, sliding drawer in a tool cabinet the air exchange will be so little that the dessicant brings the RH down from 100% to 90% and provides a slight yet positive effect.
 
I'm going to try JHZR2's suggestion of Ballistrol. I've never used it before. If that does not do it, i like the VCI paper concept. Would i have to line the whole drawer with it? Or just put a piece in each drawer?
 
I used to panic when conditions were right to turn everything dripping wet in seconds after you opened the door. I have way too many pieces of steel, equipment, tools, cars, bikes, etc., to ever let that happen again. Now, if the humidity is high, I will keep the garage closed up, and just run the dehumidifier. Plus, when it is hot out, the shop is much cooler with just a fan. Plus, I try to keep it dry in the winter by not melting snow off in it, and keep the garage heated above freezing 24/7. Keeping it closed up keeps the bugs out too. That's what works for keeping things from rusting, and staying like new!
 
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My tool chest is also near the a 32 inch side door. so i'm going to move it to the west side of the garage. The sun is on the west side of the garage most of the day.
 
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I live in Houston, my garage had this issue until I added a powered vent system to it. That has done wonders for keeping it cooler and keeping the humidity down. Mine is an old, detached garage, which may make a difference.
 
Originally Posted by robertcope
I live in Houston, my garage had this issue until I added a powered vent system to it. That has done wonders for keeping it cooler and keeping the humidity down. Mine is an old, detached garage, which may make a difference.
Now thats a good idea, what about a temp/humidity sensing fan. I found this one thats programmable and is 240cfm. My garage is 400sf. It pulls air out of the garage. What do you guys think of this? Where to mount? I assume high on the wall near the tool chest? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FWQ1ZCQ/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
 
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Originally Posted by spasm3
Originally Posted by robertcope
I live in Houston, my garage had this issue until I added a powered vent system to it. That has done wonders for keeping it cooler and keeping the humidity down. Mine is an old, detached garage, which may make a difference.
Now thats a good idea, what about a temp/humidity sensing fan. I found this one thats programmable and is 240cfm. My garage is 400sf. It pulls air out of the garage. What do you guys think of this? Where to mount? I assume high on the wall near the tool chest? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FWQ1ZCQ/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
It might help only if the humidity outside is lower than it is inside since is will be pulling it in. Ventilate it 2 directions, depending on the ambient humidity between inside/outside air. I use a humidity tester to check the difference in humidity. Then I know if it's a good idea to open the garage door up, or not. If you don't keep your garage sealed up, I don't think there is much you can do anyway you do it.
 
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