Thread: Rust prevention for smaller tools

Originally Posted by bwal74

Hi,

Just wondering what anyone else uses for rust prevention/lubrication for tools such as thread gauges, feeler gauges, radius gauges et.c etc. ?

I've been using air compressor oil which does work for the short term but I'm wondering about the long term storage. I do grab any oxygen eaters I can find around the house and put them in my tool box as well.

Ben.

I use 3in1 oil.

What are "oxygen eaters"? Do you mean dessicant bags?

I use Inox, it's an all purpose item, I use it on my jointer bed as it doesn't leave a silicon residue to effect paints etc. Ideal as a lubricant as it stops squeaks, acts as a penetrating base, the list goes on and on.
Kryn

Originally Posted by cba_melbourne

I use 3in1 oil.

What are "oxygen eaters"? Do you mean dessicant bags?

That's probably the correct name.

What do manufacturer's put on their products when new to stop rust whilst in the packaging? To me it feels like a mineral type lubricant.

Ben

Desiccant bags normally contain Silca - absorbs the moisture but need to be dried out every so often to preserve their absorbing properties.
For small tools, especially metrology gear I wipe them all over with vaseline (a little on your fingers and then wipe). Depending on where you are that can keep rust at bay.

Michael

Originally Posted by bwal74

.......
What do manufacturer's put on their products when new to stop rust whilst in the packaging? To me it feels like a mineral type lubricant.

Ben

Tools with sharp cutting edges like milling cutters and taps would be protected with a light oil and then coated in a hot dip plastic strippable coating. American tools are often coated in brown Cosmoline (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmoline). Other countries of origin have their own rust protection products. Measuring instruments invariably use an instrument oil (an oil that will not gum or get sticky over time, very similar to a top quality sewing machine oil).

Originally Posted by cba_melbourne

I use 3in1 oil.

What are "oxygen eaters"? Do you mean dessicant bags?

Oxygen eaters are not the same as desiccant bags. They contain iron fines in a moist matrix, and they remove oxygen by rusting the iron, and so binding the oxygen to the iron fines. You can check this for yourselves with a compass, if you bring the O2 eater close , the compass needle will deflect.
I would not use them to prevent tools rusting, as once the iron fines in the package are all oxidised, any remaining water is free to use your tools to remove more oxygen from the local atmosphere, - not what you want. The desiccant though would seem to be a good idea, providing it is still active and not saturated. You can dry them out in an oven perhaps, but as they are contained in small plastic capsules, that may be a bit tricky.
I use Lanotek (spelling ?) and also candle wax rubbed in with fine steel wool or sometimes a Scotchbrite pad, and store precious or sensitive items inside the house where they are not subject to the same humidity and temperature extremes.

Vaseline is a cheap (and hand friendly) anti rust for infrequently used tools.

If you are keen on using a desiccant, the crystal style of kitty litter is a very cheap way of buying silica gel. (it even has the blue indicators).

kitty.JPG

Thanks for the replies.

I'll give vaseline ago on my thread gauges etc.

Cheers Ben.