How to stop rust ? (Full Version)

All Forums >> [Casual Banter] >> Off the Grid



Message

Aneirin -> How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 4:30:47 AM)

I got a problem, I am a silversmithing student and I have a bunch of tools which need to be kept highly polished at all times, but my place is kind of damp and everything rusts quickly. I am looking for a way I can stop my tools going rusty in between using them, any ideas. Even grease, finger grease and stuff seems to start etching the metal. I have in the past oiled the tools, but there is something in oils that attacks, so have given up with that idea. Is there anything available that can stop corrosion happening in between uses, or has my time have to be sent polishing the striking faces instead of actually making stuff.



Rainfire -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 4:45:45 AM)

Hmmmm, since they're tools, I would assume that the various rust-proof solvents, goo and what have you wouldn't work in this situation. Have you tried wrapping them in something like chamois, flannel or wool and keeping in them in air-tight containers like Rubbermaid or Tupperware? The container would block air and moisture and any inside could absorbed by the material.

Just an idea that popped into my head....  (I used to run my own business and had a few items I needed to keep dry and clean as well.)



FangsNfeet -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 5:44:34 AM)

Spray paint them. You may want to start looking into tools made out of hard plastics and fiber glass. Other than that, you need to keep putting your tools back in air tight containers.



Aneirin -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 5:58:51 AM)

Yeah, perhaps some sort of humidity controlled box, as even my expensive DSLR optics have the dreaded fungus growing on the elements. The trouble I suppose with living on a cliff top near the sea.



daddysliloneds -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 6:29:33 AM)

people will tell you that aside from having an electric dehumidfier or using calcium chloride there's not much you can do except putting things in air-tight containers, which is generally wrong and/or expensive and inconvenient...

if you have a shop, a cheap fix is to put open boxes of kitty-litter in random locations as well as powdered chalk...

both are terrific moisture removers! this coming from a girl two blocks from the ocean and in an area where humidity is generally 98% even on the least humid of days.



MasterG2kTR -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 6:54:59 AM)

A couple thoughts come to mind.

1. A high quality dehumidifier would seem to be a must, but not the total answer.
2. A clear acrylic spray applied to seal them (after buffing them on a cloth wheel) this will prevent the finger oil from attacking them.
....and the most simple answer....
3. Store them in containers packed in rice. Rice is a natural and very effective dessicant.



Rule -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 7:35:43 AM)

You might try to put them in a tray with salt water. Also put a large piece of zinc in that water. In theory then your instruments will not rust and the zinc will rust.



windchymes -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 7:52:52 AM)

Since rust is the result of iron oxidizing, if you can, get tools that aren't made of some iron compound, if they exist.

I was also going to suggest spraying them with a thin layer of polyurethane or acrylic spray paint, but I don't know if that would work or keep the tools with movable parts working they way they're supposed to.

My son's an auto mechanic and works in a garage in a rural area.  I'll check with him and see if they have that problem and what they do about it.



beargonewild -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 8:54:58 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

I got a problem, I am a silversmithing student and I have a bunch of tools which need to be kept highly polished at all times, but my place is kind of damp and everything rusts quickly. I am looking for a way I can stop my tools going rusty in between using them, any ideas. Even grease, finger grease and stuff seems to start etching the metal. I have in the past oiled the tools, but there is something in oils that attacks, so have given up with that idea. Is there anything available that can stop corrosion happening in between uses, or has my time have to be sent polishing the striking faces instead of actually making stuff.


Sounds like you're best best is to try to store your tools in an air tight container and try to get some Silica gel packets and place inside. This is a good compound to remove the humidity from the air which will cause the tools to rust. Would it be feasible to plate your tools with a non corroding metal coating?



aravain -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 9:25:07 AM)

~FR~

Yup, dehumidifyer is DEFINITELY a must. Tools that can't rust (non-iron) would be even better, really, but in any case you need something to remove the moisture from the air around the tools. If you know someone who's any good at it, as well, you can get them to sew up some pieces of non-breathing material to create covers for the exposed ends of tools, as well.

If you're living in a generally humid environment, one of the things that you can do (when you have/get a dehumidifyer) is making sure your work/storage place is as air-tight as possible. They make various things to 'un-crack' doors but still make the useable, for instance, and top-knotch windows are a must. Never keep the door/windows open longer than it takes to get inside... and that'll cut down on the issue a lot.



MasterG2kTR -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 9:34:24 AM)

One more idea comes to mind on this topic. This will only be good for the grip portion of the tools though. There is a product called Plasti-Dip (one of it's commercial names) in which you dip the handle portion of your tools. Hold it over the container until it stops dripping then hang it to dry. When the process is complete you will have a soft grip plastic (rubber-like) coating on the grips of your tools.



FullCircle -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 9:38:51 AM)

What you need is an alkaline environment I suggest embedding them in concrete. I am surprised nobody else has suggested this yet.

Stainless steel tools, galvanised tools, cathodic protection i.e. sacrificial anode as already mentioned by rule. Air tight box or box filled with an inert gas (not sure where they sell inert gases these days).



popeye1250 -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 9:57:51 AM)

Hav you trid spraying them with a can of WD-40?



FullCircle -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 10:01:58 AM)

All that does is disperse water in 40 minutes. Moses used it once when he needed to get across the water. Don’t you read your history?



housesub4you -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 10:19:09 AM)

Well all I know is Rust Never Sleeps, so you're screwed.  Try moving to a less damp place, say NM or that region. 

My basement is very damp and my tools start to rust all the time, but I use them alot so a simple wipe with steel wool and I'm ready to go. 



DomKen -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 10:20:04 AM)

There aren't any really good options for preventing corrosion from salt water. The best solution is to prime and paint the metal objects and to redo the coating as needed. If you can't storing in an airtight container with a dessicant might work (in this case I would also apply a thin coat of motor oil before storage).



outlier -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 11:46:54 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aneirin

I got a problem, I am a silversmithing student and I have a bunch of tools which need to be kept highly polished at all times, but my place is kind of damp and everything rusts quickly. I am looking for a way I can stop my tools going rusty in between using them, any ideas. Even grease, finger grease and stuff seems to start etching the metal. I have in the past oiled the tools, but there is something in oils that attacks, so have given up with that idea. Is there anything available that can stop corrosion happening in between uses, or has my time have to be sent polishing the striking faces instead of actually making stuff.


I have trouble with this as written.  What oil are you using that "attacks" the tools? 
I understand human oils attacking metal but not commercial oils designed for metals.

If all else fails I have two suggestions. One since you are near the ocean go to
the nearest boatyard and ask the mechanics there what they use.  The second
suggestion is to go with synthetics such as Amsoil.  Here is their website. Amsoil

Once you are there go to Maintenance, then choose Protectants.
You will find "Metal Protector" and "Heavy Duty Metal Protector"
I know people in shops in Southern Calif. by the beach who use these.
Then put them in a sealed container with a desiccant between uses.  Good Luck




blacksword404 -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 11:49:33 AM)

Motorkote.com

It bonds to metal and will stop rust. It's main purpose is to bond to metal in your engine ,transmission and reduce the friction. Which increases the mpg. But it also has about 1000 other uses. If you get it I guarantee you will thank me for it.



ThatDaveGuy69 -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 11:57:24 AM)

If you try the inert gas route, any good welding supply shop should be able to point you in the right direction.
For easy & cheap I think your best bet is the sealed container full of rice.  Those Ziploc containers are <$1 each and a bag of rice is probably about the same.  Can't beat that for a 1st attempt!  And if all else fails, there's always the desert southwest...

Best of luck.

~Dave



outlier -> RE: How to stop rust ? (7/4/2009 11:58:05 AM)


One more suggestion.

I use and have friends use use the products from Kano Labs.
Their product "SiliKroil" is the best penetrant I have ever seen.
I know a lot of people who use it and recommend it.

They have a rust protector I have not tried called "Weatherpruf"




Page: [1] 2   next >   >>

Valid CSS!




Collarchat.com © 2025
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Spam Policy
0.03125