I'm seeking advice on how to keep my steel hand tools safe from surface rust, especially since it's been pretty humid around here lately. While I usually douse my modern tools in Inox for protection, I'm more concerned about the antique and vintage tools I've inherited. I want to avoid painting or coating them with oil, and I'm also not looking to buy any new protectants. One idea I had was to melt paraffin wax into a rag and wipe my tools with it, leaving a thin wax film for protection. Has anyone tried this, or do you have other budget-friendly methods to suggest?
10 Answers
Honestly, if your tools aren't rusting much, don't stress it too much. If you’re in a dry environment and use them regularly, they should stay good for years without any extra coatings.
Beeswax could be a great option for you! It's all-natural and safe, just made from oil and honeycomb — pretty effective for rust protection.
You could just give them a light rub down with 3-in-1 oil. I always keep mine treated with an oil-soaked rag in a can. Wax is handy too; some folks swear by paste wax for metal and wood.
I recommend using Renaissance Micro-Crystalline Wax Polish. It's excellent for protection and creates a nice smooth surface. I apply it twice a year with some steel wool, and it works wonders!
Having lived in a super humid place, I kept a can of paste wax in my toolbox and wiped down my tools regularly. It worked great — unless I forgot, then it was clear which tools needed some love.
Consider getting a dehumidifier for your workspace. It really helps keep everything dry and stable, which is great not just for your tools but for any wood pieces you have.
I use VCI paper to line my storage for planes, and I also put Zerust tabs with my chisels. I’ve heard old-timers would use camphor cubes in toolboxes, which worked well back in the day.
Here in Houston, I deal with humidity all the time too. I use paste wax frequently, and I’ve never had issues with rust — and I'm not even that diligent about it.
I've had decent luck with Ballistol. I'm not sure if it's top-notch, but it’s convenient for me since I have it around for my firearms.
I typically mix some pharmacy-grade mineral oil with candle wax to form a soft paste. It’s been my go-to for about ten years, and it works like a charm!