Moisture and rust

[davidtu]

I live in rainy Seattle, my shop is in the garage which is somewhat dilapitated (to be replaced over the next year or so). I've noticed some rust on various tools hanging on or near the walls. In fact, I have a little wood block holding some cheapo files that was against the wall and today discovered that there is actually mold and dampness on the back of the block where it contacted the wall.

A few questions:
1) does this sound like par for the course given where I live (i.e. is it some sort of condensation or does it imply an actual leak from the roof and/or walls)?
2) what is best way to get rust off the files or should I not bother or should I just get new ones?
3) what can I use to protect these hand tools (T9?) and is it trouble to get if off later?

Thanks!

[John Hunter]

I use T9 on my iron and have been very happy with it.

[JSCOOK]

FWIW, I use Bostik Top Coat

Bostik Top Coat

[Tom Slick]

3) what can I use to protect these hand tools (T9?) and is it trouble to get if off later?

that is the beauty of T9, you don't have to remove it to use the tools.

it sounds like your tools are rusting because they are stored in a shack in WA. if they were in a better sealed and insulated shack they would probably be in better shape.

[movnup]

I live in Seattle / Bellevue and when I first moved here I had that problem when storing my boat outside for the first time with rust / lots of mold. I asked around and got great advice in that you can buy electric air dryers (12" x 12" x 4" h) that circulate warm air and burn less electricity than a light bulb. You can find them at West Marine or any on-line boat supply house. I use two in my boat all winter and never had the problem again.

That solves the moisture problem but the previous posts have great ideas for what to use on the tools themselves. I am attaching a tool shed to my house this summer and will have at least one of these hooked up inside over the winter.

Cheap, easy, and it works!!!

[MilDoc]

1. yep, par for the course, even in Texas
2. I soaked mine in Simple Green for an hour then used a toothbrush. Worked well, but work.
3. Besides all the above, store files, chisels, etc in a drawer. Throw in some Tidy Cat Crystals wrapped in an old nylon stocking. Keeps the moisture at bay by absorbing it. A few chisels I haven't used in 2 years are still rust free without any coating. But then, this is Texas. Moisture here is mainly a problem in the winter

[davidtu]

Found someone who tested out some products... I guess the MIT address made me trust it.

http://web.mit.edu/charvak/www/Scien...corrosion.html

Btw, Amazon.com has the Boeshield Large 3-Pack w/ 20% off (code: PTA20off) came to $26 shipped... don't see this stuff on sale much.