How to protect tools such as drill bits from rust?

[Paratus]

WD40, degreaser or brake cleaner work to clean a tool. Then a thin coating of your favorite oil, or a dip in clean motor oil if you want to use that, and store. Or Butcher's Alley Wax works well. Even the waxy side of simple wax paper will leave a protective film behind on a metal surface. The key is to clean and oil them after each use without fail. It doesn't take much. Everyone has their favorite product, but I haven't found one that works that much better than the rest, so I like cheap. I use 80-90W gear lubricant for moving part inside some of my rifles.

 

[Amol S.]

They had a child holding the can in the original ad??? How does WD-40 help a kid?

 

[Red Squirrel]

They had a child holding the can in the original ad??? How does WD-40 help a kid?

Back when Tonkas were made of real metal. Once in a while they had to be lubed I guess. (ok so WD40 is not a lubricant but that's what lot of people use it for. )

 

[sdifox]

Use candle wax, aka paraffin wax. Wash and dry your bits, dip in molten wax. Sealed and next time you drill the wax will act as lubricant.

 

[snoopy7548]

Use candle wax, aka paraffin wax. Wash and dry your bits, dip in molten wax. Sealed and next time you drill the wax will act as lubricant.

This also works for tools stored in a non-conditioned garage.

 

[Scarpozzi]

I suggest getting machine oil and keeping the humidity low. If you can save some silica gel packs up, you can throw those in your storage containers. If you really care about them, you need to consider putting them in a climate controlled room.

I bought a gallon of Evaporust last month from Walmart.com. They didn't stock it in my store, but it was around $16.

I've been working on this old outboard engine (currently waiting for a day above 60 degrees that's not windy so I can paint.)

I got a plastic 2 gallon paint bucket with a lid because of its width. With that, I can soak long bolts without a lot of product. The stuff gets pretty dirty, but still works. Evaporust works great to clean up surface rust on stuff. I had a lot of parts that needed it, like bolts, brackets, screws, etc. Takes about a day to fix most parts, but there's obvious pitting on the thicker rust. The chemical reaction turns the rust black, but it can be brushed off. After that, I'm going to use marine grease and coat everything before reinstalling.

 

[Spacehead]

I was also thinking, could probably put some of those "do not eat" packets in my toolboxes, would that help? I always throw those out but I should start collecting them.

This made me go look.
https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Premium-...usable+rust+prevention&qid=1581954145&sr=8-19

https://www.amazon.com/Discount-Myl...usable+rust+prevention&qid=1581954145&sr=8-15

I've never used those but sometimes i will buy camphor packets to put in my toolboxes at work in the summer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor#Pest_deterrent_and_preservative
"Solid camphor releases fumes that form a rust-preventative coating and is therefore stored in tool chests to protect tools against rust."
At least the town where i live, i have to go to the pharmacy section of a drug store to get those but i see they sell some on Amazon.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Oh I never even considered the fact that you can just buy those. Yeah might not be a bad idea, even if I need to refresh them once in a while, can place in front of dehumidifier. I guess the way they work is the absorb moisture, so you need to then let it release it at some point.

 

[highland145]

Oh I never even considered the fact that you can just buy those. Yeah might not be a bad idea, even if I need to refresh them once in a while, can place in front of dehumidifier. I guess the way they work is the absorb moisture, so you need to then let it release it at some point.

Bake them.

 

[lxskllr]

This made me go look.
https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Premium-...usable+rust+prevention&qid=1581954145&sr=8-19

https://www.amazon.com/Discount-Myl...usable+rust+prevention&qid=1581954145&sr=8-15

I've never used those but sometimes i will buy camphor packets to put in my toolboxes at work in the summer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor#Pest_deterrent_and_preservative
"Solid camphor releases fumes that form a rust-preventative coating and is therefore stored in tool chests to protect tools against rust."
At least the town where i live, i have to go to the pharmacy section of a drug store to get those but i see they sell some on Amazon.

Camphor is interesting. I didn't know it prevented rust. I like the way it smells, so I might pick some up. Good reason to make my stuff smell good.

 

[Spacehead]

My tools at work are precision ground steel & some things i don't like to coat with oil unless i have to. Depending on how well the AC is working i'll do the camphor. I knew i saw somewhere those metal containers you can bake to refresh but forgot about them till reading this thread.