Preventing tool rust in trailer?
jimblodgett
| Posted in Tools for Home Building on
We moved last fall and I don’t have a shop here at the new house yet. So this winter I had most of my portable tools in our tool trailer here at the new house. I was surprised to notice I’m getting some surface rust on them.
I had always had the same tools in the shop when not in my van or on a jobsite and never had rust issues before, so I’m thinking it’s got to be the trailer.
So you trailer old timers, how do you keep this from happening? Is there a can of rust whoopass I can leave open in the trailer like baking soda in the fridge? Do I have to resort to heating the trailer?
Thanks for any help.
I’ll eat your peaches, mam. I LOVE peaches!
Replies
Maybe just get a can of WD-40 and wipe the tools down, worked for me in NAM for l3mos.
Move the trailer to Arizona.
http://www.jakesmp.com/CSD_Silica_Gel/CSD_Silica_001_C.html
There is some kind of impregnated paper for rust prevention. A machine tool supply house might have it. The last piece I got came with a pull saw. Its much cleaner than oil or wd40.
i have used Sheath by birchwood casey a gun protectorand it works great on anything metal
Thanks for the ideas.
Just ordered some container dessicant from that link you provided, Mark, thanks. I'm going to give that a try.
Still interested in reading what other folks do, though. A lot of these tools can't be oiled - routers, bits, tablesaw table, lots of stuff that will touch finish lumber...I'll eat your peaches, mam. I LOVE peaches!
Look at a product called "CorrosionX".We used to use it in the military. It doesn't contain silicon or wax, it works on a totally different principle than rust inhibitors. It's pretty slick.I'm not a fine woodworking kind of guy, so I'd call their tech line at 800-638-7361 and ask them about compatibility with typical wood finishes.
I have only noticed a problem when there is not much around that will absorb moisture, like metal tools kept in a metal toolbox. It seems like when there is enough wood or cardboard around it does not become a problem. In my trailer, I have metal tool storage cabinets installed (cheapo units from craftman) I lined the drawers with heavy cardboard which cushions the tools but also absorbs excess moisture in the air (I think) I also have some wood drawer units. I dont see any problem in either of these spots. Also, whenever I buy something that has those little dessicant packages with it, I save them and toss in to one of the metal toolboxes.
Note; I am in a humid area, Great Lakes Region
BoeShield T9 is great for preventing rust on tablesaws and the like that you can not use oil on.http://www.theruststore.com/Boeshield-T-9-12-oz-Aerosol-P3C4.aspx?gclid=CMGlx-zd-5ICFQ58PAod8yfu0gThe stuff isn't cheap but it really does work.
There is some kind of impregnated paper for rust prevention. A machine tool supply house might have it. The last piece I got came with a pull saw. Its much cleaner than oil or wd40.@@@Volatile corrosion inhibitors - here is one URL for the paper version<http://www.lpsind.com/VCIPaper.htm>The ToolBear
"I am still learning." Goya
this company makes electrical enclosures and sells all sorts of things for corrosion protection
http://www.hoffmanonline.com/product_catalog/product_detail.aspx?cat_1=34&cat_2=2375&cat_3=80461&CatId=80461&itemID=3433
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Jim,
The solution that is least intrusive to your tools, is to get a small dehumidifier. Or to heat the trailer. The dehumidifier being the better of the two.
If you want to go with a "damp rid" type product, consider just getting calcium chloride at anyplace you would get pool supplies. It's about 25 pounds for about 35 dollars. As compared to the cheapest price for damp rid, (The very same stuff), of about 4 dollars for 14 ounces.
I don't like the chemicals that any of the packet or bucket type solutions, inevitably put into the air.
A very small dehumidifier would easily keep your trailer dry.
Politics: the blind insulting the blind.
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Sounds like winter in the NWet.
What I use on the boat up there is a damp chaser - check the marine catalogs - that plugs in and doesn't really heat things, but keeps the air dry. Plug in at night.
Been using a 500w one on the boat for many winters and no serious rust or mildew issues.
The ToolBear
"I am still learning." Goya