Rusty tools

[Osama]

Any ideas about cleaning those rusty tools. pliers, scissors, cutters etc. and keeping them functioning for use in our tanks. and how to protect new tools from rusting away or at least how to slow it down & keep tools lubricated

 

[Anonymous]

Man I wish I knew. My garage is so humid new tools rust within a week. I try keeping them put away in a tool box and it still doesn't help. Maybe some dessicants in the box?

I went to use an adjustable wrench the other day and it was seized. Would not move one bit. Cutting pliers I couldn't even open. Such a shame.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
For regular tool, use lub to keep the oxygen and moisture and salt out. If you use tool in your salt water tank, don't use regular lub. Vaseline is fine. For best result, get stainless steel (the real SS like 318 instead of 306 or other "stainless" steel that rusts in salt water) tool.

 

[Tremelle]

For tools to used around the house you can spray some WD40 or some other light oil on them to keep them from rusting. Of course you can not use those tools in your tank with oil on them.

I try to find tools that are made out of resins for use on my tank if they are to come in contact with the water. Of course even those tools have a some metal in them. I thoroughly clean the tools after use in the saltwater.

 

[Anonymous]

To control the humidity in gun safes, we sell a humidity rod. It looks simular to an aquarium heater, but is designed to work out of water. DO NOT USE AN AQUARIAM HEATER. The rod heats the inside of the gun safe slightly, making it so condensation won't form on metal. They work great. I don't see why this wouldn't work inside of a tool chest, say in the bottom drawer so the heat would rise. I'm sure these can be bought online or at any gun safe dealer in your area.

Regards

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
My garage is hot enough without the heater. Getting rid off the fish tank(s) will helps the humidity problem. Anyone got a cheap reef for sale ?

How about dehumidifier? I bet it is cheaper than the heater.

 

[Osama]

Hi Ing.; Where can I buy 318 SS tools

 

[Anonymous]

The safe heaters run about $40

 

[wade1]

For my steel tank tools, I give them a very heavy rinsing in tapwater after use, then immediately dry them with a cloth. If you then keep them in a dry location, it really reduces the oxidation. Only thing rusting on my tile snips is the hinge, but its not sticking in any way.

Wade

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
Check out surgical supply places. I don't feel that you want to get the brand new tool. A new bone-breaker (great for cutting frags) is ~$400. This is a overkill if you only use it a couple times a month.

Quality tool store may carries SS318 piler and wirecutter. harborfreight.com (not a quaility tool store by any mean...) caries some SS piler and such (less than $10), but I don't know if they are SS318 or not.

 

[Osama]

Thanks to All.
I will stick with the local hardware stuff & do a better job at rinsing it & keeping it dry. It will be cheaper to throw away a $3 cutter than to go to specialty stores... THANKS

 

[Marrowbone]

I was going to post a new topic to ask about this but then I said to myself "hey, search the archives, dummy..."

Anyway, yeah I've been noticing that as my fairly nice hand tools become more and more exposed to salt water that they are starting to rust. I used my good sharp hand saw on some wet PVC a while ago and seriously dulled it. :evil: I may have to try using a little vaseline on them... that and keep them dryed off well.

I had originally been wondering if olive oil would be OK to use on tools that may be getting wet and salty from time to time... anyone know?

 

[esmithiii]

For tools to used around the house you can spray some WD40 or some other light oil on them to keep them from rusting. Of course you can not use those tools in your tank with oil on them.

WD-40 is good for loosening stuck hardware, but will cause tools to rust as it can trap moisture. You are better off using a silicone-based lubricant that is designed to keep rust away.

Ditto for olive oil- there is water in suspension with the olive oil, which will cause things to rust fast.

Ernie

 

[Anonymous]

It is probably harmless, but Vaseline will not make your tool gummy like vegatable oil when it polymerize... nasty to clean the gummy olive "oil" when try to wipe it with a paper towel, and all the fiber of the paper comes out and glued to the tool....

 

[Mogo]

I give my rusty tools a polish with emery paper. For tougher jobs like pliers I disassemble and use a wire brush "wheel" attachment on my electric drill. Then I wipe clean with a soft cloth. No lube.

 

[Anonymous]

Also, Try storing your tools in a wooden toolbox. The wood attracts the moisture better than the metal, so the tools are a bit safer.

When I use my tools in saltwater, I rinse them with the hottest water I can. The steel heats up and then dries faster.

Putting your tools in the freezer might work as well. (it's the driest climate in your house.)

B