How to Protect Old Tools from Rust?

S

Scott Free

Joined
Sep 15, 1999
Messages
3,319
I've just inherited a ton of very old, but very rusty, tools. I'd like to use them for display.

So far, I've taken several and soaked them in vinegar over night. Then I used a brass wire brush on them. They look bright and shiny again.

How should I protect them from rusting again while still keeping them on display? (I live in the North East so rust is always a problem.)

Since they will be on display, I don't want to use something that will attract dust. Not sure what to use.

WD-40? Clear paint? Something else?

Scott
 
Depending on the tool... a thin coat of wax (autobody wax)

WD-40 will last awhile, about the only way to really keep something from rusting is to fully submerge it in oil, and keep it there!

What kind of case are you storing them in?
 
Vaporous corrosion inhibitors. Either acquire a 'sponge' type dispensor, or spray a bit around the exhibition.

Pardon spelling, please.

Good luck.
 
WD-40 is suprisingly effective, even after the "vehicle" evaporates.

Another possibility is wax. waxes (car or bike polish sort of things)are used in a number of such applications, and are especially good for items that are on display, as they don't tend to collect dust.
 
Navel Jelly makes a Rust Inhibitor for outside tools. (Not the rust remover or the stuff that leaves a black coating.)

It is suppose to be used on things like lawn furniture, shovels, and mower blades. It is a clear coating.

I used it for the swords and knives at the store. I sprayed it onto a cloth and wiped down the swords and knives. If you spray it directly on the item, it tends to spot. We used it once a week because of the amount of handling they received.

I have used it on tools and generally coating it once a season is enough. It works well and doesn't have the potential problems as does WD-40. (For some reason I find it in the paint department at my local Lowes.)

Good Luck,

Pam
 
Linseed Oil As a Rust Preservative


A practise common among farmers is to coat shovels, axes and other implements with linseed oil as a rust preservative. Linseed oil seems to dry and seal the surface without running off or evaporating

I've used it with good results, ideal for preserving wood handles ect.
 
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