How to Prevent Rust?

[phrog]

Just wondering what method or product you guys use to prevent your handtools from rusting? I live in East Tennessee where there is a lot of humidity. I have polished some carving tools and wonder how I should keep the metal from rusting. Any suggestions are welcome.

[herb fellows]

In my experience, the only way to really protect them is a pita.
You really have to be diligent about wiping th tools down with any one of a hundred products (wd40 comes to mind) after each days work. Of course, this entails wiping off every tool every time you use it.
I didn't say it was easy, but it's the only effective way I know. If somebody has something else, I'm all ears!

[Bill in Buena Park]

I think Herb is right about cleanup after use. I prefer to use a little paste wax, sometimes applied with a dry cloth, sometimes with a little 0000 steel wool, then wiped off with a dry cloth. Seems to be working so far.

[Tamarack]

I run a dehumidifier 24/7 in my shop, does wonders with keeping rust away.

Paul

[sparkeyjames]

My dad is an old tool and die guy I'll ask him and post a follow up. His tool boxes were always full of metal gauge blocks and things like that and not a spot of rust to be found. Sometime those tools were not touched for years on end and still no rust. No they were not stainless.

Jim

[sparkeyjames]

My dad is an old tool and die guy I'll ask him and post a follow up. His tool boxes were always full of metal gauge blocks and things like that and not a spot of rust to be found. Sometime those tools were not touched for years on end and still no rust. No they were not stainless.

Jim

And the answer is Camphor blocks. Look it up on google. No need to call the old man. I remembered that his tool boxes always smelled like Vicks vapo rub.

Keeping rust off your tools.
Keep small amounts of solid (block-style) camphor in the drawers of your tool boxes and cabinets. Camphor gives off fumes that will form a rust preventative coating on all your tools. It's available from many woodworking catalogs, as well as your local pharmacy.
Keep the camphor in ordinary, small medicine bottles, like those used for prescription medications. Drill a series of small holes in the lid (or the bottom) to allow the camphor fumes to escape and permeate the drawer or cabinet:

CAUTION: Camphor fumes can be dangerous under certain conditions. Be sure to read and understand all of the instructions that come with the camphor prior to using it.

[chopnhack]

I have heard of the camphor too. A good reason to build a nice tool chest, no? BTW, Amazon sells a 1lb box for about $19 delivered.

[sparkeyjames]

You know this camphor rehash has given me an idea. I've seen the complaints here about rusted beds on power tools. When not in use say like your jointer or band saw put a plastic bag over the bed with a camphor block inside the plastic.

[LCHIEN]

Boeshield T-9 seems to work well on cast iron tools, not sure about the usefulness on hand tools.

[phrog]

Thanks to all who replied for the great suggestions. Sparkeyjames, I had heard of something you could put in your tool box to stop rust but could not remember what it was; now, I know - camphor. Guess that helps to keep your breathing passages open as well. Again, thanks to all.

[Wood_workur]

http://www.theruststore.com/index.aspx sells silica gel in reusable containers. Figure out the space you would need each to protect and order accordingly.

[toolguy1000]

i find that once cleaned and waxed, if i keep my CI covered, it simply doesn't rust. my TS is covered with its outfeed table, which i lay on top of my saw. my jointer and BS are covered with machinery covers, and my hollow chissel morticer is covered with an old towel. none rust if covered. if i leave any of them uncovered or a month or so, the rust bunnies start appearing.