Protecting Tools From Rust in Unheated Garage

Seem to be losing the battle re: keeping rust off of hand tools, (clamps, planes, etc.). Anything made of cast iron or unplated steel seems to pick up some rust even though I try to keep a coating of light oil on tools.

Just installed a 14″ bandsaw with a big cast iron table and am looking for ideas as how to protect this new toy. Garage is unheated, not insulated; definately not an ideal environment for a workshop, but don’t have any options.

Anyone have good ideas regarding minimizing corrosion/rust on metal surfaces? I’ve read several articles recommending a coating of carnuba wax as a way of sealing metal surfaces..

Hoping someone has a good tip or two on this subject…

Thanks

Pete

Fluid Film is a great rust inhibitor. It makes WD-40 look like water, stays on tools/metal longer and is non-toxic as well

Fluid Film +1

fluid film works good but it never dries and is messy. not sure if your gonna want that all over your wood your working with? could the table be painted?

it was recommended to me to use paste wax

Zep 45, I run a big kenworth that I cut concrete out of daily. Every thing gets put away wet and will rust in a weekend. Spray tools with zep before putting away and they come out clean and perfect

X2 on the paste wax.
I use steel wool and lacquer to remove the rust spots first.
BTW my shop is heated and I still get rust spots.

Bearcat89 wrote:

Zep 45, I run a big kenworth that I cut concrete out of daily. Every thing gets put away wet and will rust in a weekend. Spray tools with zep before putting away and they come out clean and perfect

Zep 45 is pretty much the answer to any question. I use to buy the stuff by the case.

Dutchboy wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Bearcat89 wrote:</div>
Zep 45, I run a big kenworth that I cut concrete out of daily. Every thing gets put away wet and will rust in a weekend. Spray tools with zep before putting away and they come out clean and perfect

Zep 45 is pretty much the answer to any question. I use to buy the stuff by the case.

I do the same. It coats all my tools, trailer connections, balls, and everything in-between.

Dutchboy wrote:

8efe28aeba5bfd44 is pretty much the answer to any question. I use to buy the stuff by the case.

FTFY. HRG

Eelpoutguy wrote:

X2 on the paste wax.
I use steel wool and lacquer to remove the rust spots first.
BTW my shop is heated and I still get rust spots.

X3. Anything oily will stain whatever wood you cut on it. In your situation I’d wax a couple times a year or when you start seeing rust forming.

Be sure to clean the rust off before coating or it will continue to form below the wax.

If you are vigilant about keeping your balls greased will your tool get rusty?

Matt Moen wrote:

If you are vigilant about keeping your balls greased will your tool get rusty?

If you never put the tool down, I can not rust

I like to put a coat of Johnsons past wax on my cast tools when I know they will be sitting for a bit to prevent rust. I put it on and buff it out. Then put on another coat and let it sit until I need the tool again. Then buff it out before I use the tool. I think it helps.

If you have a lot of rust to remove use Zep 45 and a palm finish stander to make removing it easier. Buy a cheap finish sander and only use it for this. The oil will stay in the pad and work its way into your wood project if you use it. Get all the oil off and coat with past wax. Also don’t let people put their drinks on your tools. I don’t know whey they think it is a table. This will cause rust ring.

Rodwork wrote:

Also don’t let people put their drinks on your tools

I need a beer handy when I am ripping lumber on my table saw!!!

a table saw with wax finish is so much nicer to use !The wood slides so much better

Take a look at Boeshield T9

X2 on the car wax