Hand Plane Problem

[Luckbox]

I have a couple of inexpensive Stanely hand planes that I was storing in a tool box shelf with a silca gel packet in the drawer with them. Evidently last time I was using my dust mask, that has cloth straps, I threw it in there when done and then put the planes on top of it. I went to get my planes a few weeks back and when the plan touched the straps there was rust. I used sand paper and plate glass to clean the rust off and coated with T-9 rust protectant. I then used the planes and when done just put them on a shelf with a dry piece of cardboard under them. This past week I grab them to use again and the rust was back in the exact same pattern. What is the best way to clean them so it does not come back, and what is the best way to store them so this doesn’t happen again?

[herb fellows]

Just a guess, but I would use something like exo rust (?) (the stuff Harbor Freight sells), to really clean it out. I would be sure to wax them or similar as soon as you wipe off the exo rust thoroughly.
I would store it with something that can't absorb, such as plastic under it, I wouldn't put anything that can absorb water in the package.
I think you're better off storing them IN something (with silica gel or similar) rather than on a shelf, maybe something like a plastic 'shoe box'. I've gotten some for about $1.00 each.
I store mine in a closed box like this and haven't had any problems, but they're in a relatively dry part of the house. I wonder if you should poke some holes in the top to vent it??

[Bruce Cohen]

I've used WD-40 and 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper, messy, but it does the job..

I believe that Lee Valley sells bags you can put stuff into that prevents rust.
Check them out: www.leevalley.com

Good luck and put on a pair of rubber gloves or you'll never get the smell of WD-40 out of your hands, DAMHIK

Bruce

[Pappy]

I just looked at Lee Valley's catalog. The have plane sacks on page 75. I have kept block planes in an old sock with good results.

As to rust removal, electrolysis is the best way but time consuming. Others here have said good things about the exo rust.

[pelligrini]

I've had mixed results with T-9. Mostly good, but there were a few times I've had rust appear. I think it was due to my application. Either I didn't put it on thick or I wiped it all off after application. I'll do a couple applications of T-9 now waiting a day or so between them. I'll use T-9 on my planes and paste wax too.

I don't know a whole lot about the mechanics of rust, but it sounds like something leached out of the strap and bonded with the metal. That's my guess as to why the patterns showed back up.

Like pappy said; electrolysis might clear up the problem best. It's pretty easy.

Herb Fellows is thinking of evap-o-rust. I've used it a few times on some planes, chisels auger bits and a bit brace. Long exposures to it will discolor the metal. It did a pretty good job on protecting some chisels. I didn't immerse them fully, some rust has shown up on the shanks that weren't in the cleaner. The rest of the chisel has shown no rust development.

[Bruce Cohen]

I just looked at Lee Valley's catalog. The have plane sacks on page 75. I have kept block planes in an old sock with good results.

Yup, old socks (without the holes) are a heck of a lot cheaper than LV's "sacks", thou not as pretty. But then again, you could dye the socks a color, maybe one for each different plane you have. And don't worry Don, RIT makes enough colors even for your collection.

Bruce