Thread: long term tool storage

I'm guessing you have somewhere safe in mind to put your beloved tools, just want to know how to make sure they stay in the same good condition.

One of the best ways I know is to liberally rub them in Camilla oil (old Japanese method) wrap in waxed packing paper then stow safely in a strong box. You might put some silica crystals (moisture absorbing) in the bottom - just in case.

Best of luck on your posting, I've had a few myself.

Thanks dragonfly.

Tools will be stored well. Thanks for the good wishes.

Trav

I use a lanolin based product ( lanotec) on cast iron / steel surfaces and cover the machine with a heavy cloth cover. I often work away from home for 6 to 8 weeks at a time and It takes me about 2 hours to get everything ready to use again on return.

This might be a bit over the top , but we used denso tape in the mining industry to store rebuilt processing equipment ,its linen tape soaked with a sticky caramel coloured grease would be great for covering your table saw table top .
Some of the machinery we stored out in the weather with this stuff wrapped around the drive shafts after a while the grease goes black ,but when stripped off the metal surfaces were perfect.
I think its available at industrial suppliers like Blackwoods or similar.

Kev

Hi Trav

You do not say how long you are likely to be away, but I am also a fan of lanolin based products. The grease and liquid versions (just paint it on or use an old window cleaner spray bottle) are much cheaper than the pressure pack containers. Lanolin breaks down chemically after 18 months ago and goes sticky losing its lubricant properties but it still retains its waterproofing abilities.

In the late sixties I coated hand tools in raw wool fat (the stuff lanalin is refined from) when I went overseas on a two year contract. When I returned fifteen years later the wool fat was a black greasy mess and it took over two years before I attempted to salvage the tools. They came up fine.

Cheers

Graeme

PS: Ever see a rusty sheep?

thanks all. Posting is for 3 years, so it would need to be long term protection.

Trav

And no, never seen a rusty sheep.

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

PS: Ever see a rusty sheep?

hydraulic ram

enjoy the posting - I can't add anything to the above except that whatever protection you decide on use some covering over it as well ie old drop sheets or sheets etc.