Rust is a common problem for tools globally, and anyone who enjoys DIY or construction work understands that tools are a costly investment. In a workshop, where various tools are constructed using metal, oxidation can cause significant trouble, and if not appropriately maintained, even high-quality metal tools will corrode rapidly.
To ensure that your tools do not rust, you can take a number of simple measures as water is detrimental to them, and the first indication of moisture will result in the formation of rust on metal surfaces.
Effective Tips to Keep Tools From Rusting
1. Control Humidity
If there is moisture in the air, it will cause rust. If you reside in a humid region, you can be sure that you will encounter rust issues. Although you cannot modify the weather, you can mitigate the effects of humidity on your tools by following simple measures.
Ensure adequate airflow
Tools that are stored in workshops that are stuffy and completely enclosed are more susceptible to being impacted by moisture in the atmosphere.
Although it may not be feasible to always have your workshop’s windows and doors open, it is advisable to ventilate the workspace whenever possible. Additionally, it is crucial to incorporate sufficient ventilation into the workshop’s design, allowing for continuous airflow even when you are unable to open anything.
Consider installing a fan or dehumidifier
If natural airflow cannot be achieved in your workshop, you might want to think about using a fan for mechanical ventilation. Additionally, if you reside in an area with high humidity, adding a dehumidifier to your shed could be beneficial.
It is important to remember that these types of solutions are only effective when they are used. In the long run, running a fan or dehumidifier can become costly.
2. Control Temperature
When there are large and rapid temperature decreases in your workshop, tools made of thick, heavy metal can accumulate a considerable amount of condensation on their surfaces. To prevent this, many individuals choose to set up their workshop in locations like their basement, where the temperature remains constant and abrupt changes in temperature are minimized.
It is possible to use mechanical ventilation like a heating or air conditioning system to keep a constant temperature. However, like installing a dehumidifier, this choice can be costly in the long run.
Using your tools regularly can help prevent rust. Tools that are left unused and exposed to dust and moisture are more prone to rust than those that are used frequently. Additionally, regularly wiping down and cleaning your tools after each use can also contribute to keeping them free of rust.
The most effective method of preventing rust on tools is to regularly use them. Rust typically occurs when the tool is exposed to moisture, dust, or wood particles for an extended period. Moisture is the primary cause of rust, and wood and dust particles exacerbate the rusting process by keeping it in close proximity to the tool’s surface.
The movement and use of tools prevent moisture from settling on the metal areas, which explains why rust is prevented. Neglected tools, on the other hand, are frequently covered in rust because they have remained in the same position, most likely in a humid environment, for many years.
When using tools, it is important to consider the gradual buildup of oil from our hands on the tool. By externally applying oil and coatings, we effectively prevent rust. However, there is also significance in the natural oils from our body transferring onto the different metals and woods we come across.
Although these oils are often linked to surface degradation, there is a positive aspect to them. While they may not cover the entire tool, they can offer added protection to specific areas that are more noticeable on power or hand woodworking tools.
If you have infrequently used tools, it is beneficial to occasionally handle and pick them up. Although it may not be as effective as actively using the tools, even the slightest movements and contact can assist in preventing rust. This becomes particularly crucial when the tools are stored in open air or exposed to substantial amounts of sawdust.
4. Keep Your Tools Clean and Well-Maintained
To prevent rust on your expensive tools, a highly effective and apparent method is to avoid storing them when they are wet or covered in moisture containing dirt or sawdust.
By following a few simple steps, you can prevent rust and ensure that your tools are not covered in grime when you need to use them. These steps include wiping down your hand tools and benches, brushing off your power tools, and vacuuming up any leftover sawdust. These tasks usually only take a few minutes to complete.
In addition to cleaning your tools, it is important to keep your tool storage drawers, toolboxes, and benches clean as well. It is ineffective to clean your hand tools if you are going to store them in a workbench drawer covered in moist sawdust or in a toolbox with damp soil.
5. Avoid Storing Tools on Workshop Floor
The cold floor of their workshop is where many people choose to store their large and expensive garden tools, such as lawnmowers, edgers, and blower-vacs. Similarly, in the corner of the shed, their shovels and rakes are often kept standing on the cold and damp concrete floor. As a result, it is not surprising that these gardening tools frequently experience the most rust.
To ensure that these tools are not on the floor, it is recommended to store them on the sidewalls of your workshop, just like your other tools.
6. Keeping Tools In An Airtight Chest Will Help Prevent Rust
If running a dehumidifier does not provide sufficient or effective results, an alternative option is to store tools in an airtight chest. Combining this approach with a dehumidifier will further enhance the prevention of rust on woodworking tools.
The concept behind an airtight chest for tool storage is straightforward. Essentially, it establishes a controlled environment within your workspace to regulate moisture and temperature. While you can take it a step further by incorporating a mini dehumidifier and temperature control for added creativity, such enhancements are not necessary to enjoy the advantages of a compact tool chest.
To create a mini-climate area for storing tools, you just require an airtight container and a method of retaining moisture within the chest.
7. Use Silica Gel
One common method involves utilizing silica gel packets, which are frequently included when shipping shoes or other garments. These packets are readily available and affordable, yet have the capacity to efficiently absorb a considerable amount of moisture relative to their size. To effectively control moisture in a large tool chest, only a few of these packets will be required.
8. Try Out Moth Balls to Prevent Rust
Mothballs, which release a gas that directly interferes with oxidization, the actual cause of rust, are a common item that can assist in preventing rust in small areas.
It should be fairly easy to find a way to keep humidity down, as there are various methods available for different setups. In fact, the basic science behind reducing humidity applies to maintaining low humidity in various places such as workshops, homes, or chests. For more information on diminishing humidity, click here to read.
9. Keep Your Workshop Free of Dust and Clean it Regularly
Dust and wood shavings have a reputation for capturing moisture. While this might initially seem advantageous, it is actually quite the opposite. Whenever dust, wood shavings, or sawdust lands on a metal tool, it effectively retains any moisture or condensation present in the air onto the tool. This significantly increases the likelihood of rust formation.
In order to avoid this, it is advisable to maintain cleanliness in your shop. Cleaning and wiping the tools both after use and before storing them is a good method to ensure their effectiveness, as well as to inspect them thoroughly and ensure their overall condition.
To enhance your overall workshop environment and make your work more convenient, it is advisable to periodically clean the shop, wipe work surfaces, and perform routine maintenance. This not only prevents rust in the long term but also improves the overall workshop conditions.
Proper ventilation is crucial for any workshop that utilizes power tools as it not only promotes a clean environment but also prevents rust formation on all tools.
HEPA filters, known as the best filters, have the capability to filter nearly everything; however, even average systems can be highly beneficial for tool maintenance. Dust collection systems are remarkably effective for individuals working in the workshop as they assist in preventing lung issues caused by sawdust.
