Tools & Fabrication - Rusting Tools

I don't have the most expensive tools out there, but I do take pride and care of what I have, I have some sockets and other little things that are starting to get minor surface rust. I don't keep any of my tools covered in oil or grease or anything, but what can I do to help stop the rusting. I know if I used them more, but I have quite a few of the same tools, so I kinda have certain ones I use all the time. Any tips or tricks you guys can throw my way that might help.

People use vinegar to remove the rust (you'll need to leave it soaking for a while), and I like Fluid Film to keep it at bay.

Fine steel wool and machine oil. Once rust starts though the only cure is to Sand down to bare metal and recoat. Second best thing is to nock the rust down and use oil to keep it from oxidizing...

alright guys thx I will try these methods and see how it works. thx. any other keep em coming

Greasy fingerprints prevent rust.

your going to laugh , but moth crytals the camphor vapors coat the tools with a anti rust agent when it vaporizes . and I also use a product made for machinist tools that goes inthe drawers of the box .

^whats the product called?

this is what I use in my machinist chest to protect my micrometers , the stuff is a little expensive but it works for a long time as long as you don't keep the drawers open all the time http://www.corrosionvci.com/corrosion/products.php?cat=16

Will WD40 work?

we use corrosion preventive compound (MIL-PRF-16173 grade 3) for our tools and its used everywhere throughout the military. especially in islands and when we deploy on boats.

when you buy new electronics, they have those little bean bags, throw those in the drawer with your tools for prevention.

for cleaning rust, i use a battery charger on low/laundry detergent and some rebar rods. works wonders!

when you buy new electronics, they have those little bean bags, throw those in the drawer with your tools for prevention.

for cleaning rust, i use a battery charger on low/laundry detergent and some rebar rods. works wonders!

2amp?
Plastic bucket?
Detergent as in Tide or Borax?

I left some good pliers outside. :(

2amp?
Plastic bucket?
Detergent as in Tide or Borax?

I left some good pliers outside. :(

yup 2amp, plastic bucket, and i used tide and oxy white (whatever the name of the infomercial stuff is) and both have worked successfully.

Thanks!

Pliers look a lot better already, as do some other pieces.

wait til you try control arms, motor mounts, valve covers, lug nuts... you'll have fun for a while

when you buy new electronics, they have those little bean bags, throw those in the drawer with your tools for prevention.

for cleaning rust, i use a battery charger on low/laundry detergent and some rebar rods. works wonders!Siliaca Gel or sand you mean and if so i heard kitty litter in a simular bag does the same thing if left in a drawer

wait til you try control arms, motor mounts, valve covers, lug nuts... you'll have fun for a while

That's a 10mm and an 8mm with a 1/4" ratchet. Those are easy. H/C swaps involve a bit more tools. not much, but still.

i wipe down/clean my tools with fluid film

Today i took my toolbox apart and cleaned it really well with soap and water then used some left over motor oil (m1 5w30) and just lightly coated all my sockets/wrenches/pliers. Looked pretty good after i was done too!

what exactly does the electrical charge do with the powder detergent? I assume its some sort of reaction between the rust and the powder, but is it like a chemical reaction or what, and how long do you leave this hooked up? so hook the pos and neg on the tool, and this will not effect the charger bc its so low? never heard of this that it why im asking....