I've been slacking on caring for my tools during the winter since I have a newborn and my shop gets really cold, which makes it hard to work. I also had a water leak and stored a cargo box full of road salt in there. Now, it looks like almost all my metal tools have developed a layer of surface rust, including my bike chains that should have been well-lubed. What's the best game plan to tackle this rust? I'm considering spending a weekend with 0000 steel wool and WD-40 to scrub them down and maybe using Evapo-Rust on the worst cases, though I know that leaves behind some gunk. In the future, I might need to keep humidity in check—it would help to manage the heating too since winters last about 6-7 months here. I definitely want to do more than just wipe them down with oil next year. My wife is worried and thinks I shouldn't even use these tools anymore!
3 Answers
I personally like using sewing machine oil since a gallon lasts forever and is perfect for hand tool maintenance. Microcrystalline paste wax is another solid choice, but I'm usually in a habit of oiling, especially since I sharpen my tools often. Plus, keeping your tools in airtight boxes (like Pelicans with gaskets) helps a ton against rust! I know everyone loves showing off tool walls, but when you live near the ocean, that salt air will rust anything not protected!
After you’ve tackled the big rust spots, try soaking your tools in a 50/50 mix of water and Simple Green, then get back to using that 0000 steel wool. I've done this with some seriously rusted tools, and it worked wonders! Living through long winters, I get that struggle. I used jojoba oil over the winter to keep my tools from rusting up. Also, consider wrapping your nicer tools in rust-inhibiting wax paper—you can find that online without a hassle!
First off, swap out that WD-40 for some quality machine or gun oil! WD-40 might help a bit, but it can also turn sticky and trap dirt over time, which doesn't do your tools any favors. Once you get the rust off—which can even be tackled with a simple eraser for tough spots—make sure to apply a good layer (like 2 or 3 layers) of Conservators Wax, also known as Renaissance Wax. It's fantastic for preventing rust and moisture damage, lasting for ages. I use it on my tools a couple of times a year and haven’t had any rust issues for decades!
Does that fancy wax get in the way of using them?
Also, while Reddit can be tough on WD-40, it does work as a lubricant, just not the best one. It’s handy to repel water and seeps into small spaces. Honestly, if I’d just taken 15 minutes to spray my tools back in November, I probably wouldn’t be in this rust mess now.
Yeah, that Renaissance Wax is a bit pricey. For now, I think I'll stick with a mix of WD-40 and 3-in-1 oil. I plan to revisit better options when I have more time and once it warms up, but I really need to control the rust before it gets worse.