What can you do to keep your hand tools at home safe from rusting? Here are some tips that can help you.

1. Rust-proofing
Hand Tools
OnTrack Wall Solutions
P.O. Box 630148
Highlands Ranch,
CO 80163-0148
720-328-9432

2. Rust-proofing Hand Tools
Rusting is every metal’s Kryptonite. Where else can a barrage of metals be in the
home, but in the garage?
Dr. Ernest Bernaducci, vice president at WD-40, said that once rust forms on a tool,
it will keep corroding faster and faster. Rust is a reaction of metal to oxidation, which
comes from water and air. A perfect setting for metals is a dry, normal temperature room
that blocks out air and other corrosive elements.
The average shop in America exposes hand tools to many identifiable corrosives.
This shortens the lifespan of the tool. Most experts advise doing the following:
Garage Cabinet ¬– A well structured cabinet with tight lids is perfect for storing tools.
Hanging tools or leaving them on the table exposes them to changing room humidity and
air. Creating a micro-climate system will shield tools from corrosive elements.

3. Tool wipes–Before storing garden shears and clippers, a quick wipe with Towelettes will
leave rust-inhibiting chemicals that safeguards the metal and prevents them from
gathering dust that attracts moisture.
Liner–This drawer liner gives off an odorless vapor that forms a protective film over the
metal that shields it from moisture damage for up to five years. It can also keep tools
from sliding around when in storage.
Charcoal – Charcoal is known to absorb vapors. Placed inside the toolbox, this can
absorb oxygen and moisture and even take the musty smell of tools.
Mothballs or camphor – These emit gases that interfere with oxidation and work pretty
well to prevent tools from rusting. Camphor will combat the oxidation while moth balls
absorb moisture.
Camelia oil - A thin film of camellia oil or even paste wax is an excellent rust inhibitor
minus the grit. A thin application of WD-40 will help as well.

4. Dehumidifier - The root cause of rusting is moisture. A humid shop will result in rusty
tools. Running a dehumidifier may do the trick even if this option costs more.
Silica Gel – Available in cannisters and small paper packets, silica gel packets keep
toolboxes and drawers dry.
Being meticulous about tools helps prolong their shelf life and lets owners save
from buying new ones when the rust begins.
Resources:
http://ontrackwall.com/rousseau-metal/
http://lifehacker.com/5897807/how-to-remove-rust-from-old-tools
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,1552611,00.html
http://www.gearheaddiva.com/4440/easy-ways-to-prevent-tools-from-rusting/