I have a small toolbox that I use to store my tools and spare parts. I'm noticing that all metal is corroding. My utility knife, pliers, screw driver, etc... Without necessarily going back to sears or west marine and buying tools especially designed for the marine environment, or storing each tool in a ziploc, any recommendations?
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Corrosion
Some years ago, I bought a couple of metal .30 cal ammo boxes from a surplus store for a few bucks. These boxes have rubber gaskets and, while somewhat heavy, work great to keep the tools in, moisture out. Once a season I wipe down all the tools with a light oil. Seems to to keep rust/corrosion/crud at bay. Although you could buy stainless or "marine grade" tools, I think that is an unnecessary expense unless you are doing extensive offshore cruising. A good container and a little oil now and then on your tools and you'll be ok.
Some years ago, I bought a couple of metal .30 cal ammo boxes from a surplus store for a few bucks. These boxes have rubber gaskets and, while somewhat heavy, work great to keep the tools in, moisture out. Once a season I wipe down all the tools with a light oil. Seems to to keep rust/corrosion/crud at bay. Although you could buy stainless or "marine grade" tools, I think that is an unnecessary expense unless you are doing extensive offshore cruising. A good container and a little oil now and then on your tools and you'll be ok.
riggers bag
I store my tools in a canvas riggers bag adjacent to the inverter/charger. The charger is always slightly warm, and makes for a great dehumidifyer. I haven't had a speck of rust in the seven years I've kept the tools there.
I store my tools in a canvas riggers bag adjacent to the inverter/charger. The charger is always slightly warm, and makes for a great dehumidifyer. I haven't had a speck of rust in the seven years I've kept the tools there.
Craftsman hand tool, WD-40, and T-9.
I don't know if you knew this, but all hand tools from Craftsman are good for life. Just take them back to Sears and they will give you a new one. No questions asked. I once saw a building contractor take in 8 used measuring tapes for 8 new ones. As for removing existing rust, use naval jelly to clean them, and use sandpaper if needed. Then use WD-40 on everything, and wipe dry. Or better yet, use something call Boeshield T-9. West Marine carries it. Boeing (the airplane people) developed it for use on airplane parts. After you spray this stuff on, it gets pretty greasy and wax like, and a little bit goes a long way. After you spray it on, rub it in and wipe off the excess. It will protect the tools for life. I am not too crazy about the feel of the tools. When you pick up a tool that has T-9 on it, you'll know it. But they are really protected though.
I don't know if you knew this, but all hand tools from Craftsman are good for life. Just take them back to Sears and they will give you a new one. No questions asked. I once saw a building contractor take in 8 used measuring tapes for 8 new ones. As for removing existing rust, use naval jelly to clean them, and use sandpaper if needed. Then use WD-40 on everything, and wipe dry. Or better yet, use something call Boeshield T-9. West Marine carries it. Boeing (the airplane people) developed it for use on airplane parts. After you spray this stuff on, it gets pretty greasy and wax like, and a little bit goes a long way. After you spray it on, rub it in and wipe off the excess. It will protect the tools for life. I am not too crazy about the feel of the tools. When you pick up a tool that has T-9 on it, you'll know it. But they are really protected though.
CAMPHOR BLOCK FOR TOOL BOX
Someone told me to get a small block of camphor and put it in your toolbox to reduce corrosion. I tried it and even my cheap tools didn't rust after 12 years. Camphor comes in a small cellophane wrapped block about 2"x2"x1/2" and is available at a drugstore. It's very inexpensive. You just make a slice in the wrap so the camphor can slowly sublime out and make your tool box smell like your grandmothers silverchest. I guess the theory is that it displaces the oxygen or other "corrosive ethers".
Someone told me to get a small block of camphor and put it in your toolbox to reduce corrosion. I tried it and even my cheap tools didn't rust after 12 years. Camphor comes in a small cellophane wrapped block about 2"x2"x1/2" and is available at a drugstore. It's very inexpensive. You just make a slice in the wrap so the camphor can slowly sublime out and make your tool box smell like your grandmothers silverchest. I guess the theory is that it displaces the oxygen or other "corrosive ethers".
try RIG
RIG, rust inhibiting grease. i used it on guns for years. it lasts well. comes in tube with small sheepskin applicator. cost less than 10 bucks. keep it in ziplock and wipe tools down after use...
RIG, rust inhibiting grease. i used it on guns for years. it lasts well. comes in tube with small sheepskin applicator. cost less than 10 bucks. keep it in ziplock and wipe tools down after use...
There's a way to avoid losing 'em over the side.
After I'd donated enough tools to Poseiden, I finally figured out that if I drilled holes in all the handles and put lanyards through 'em to wrap around my wrist, I wouldn't lose 'em any more.
After I'd donated enough tools to Poseiden, I finally figured out that if I drilled holes in all the handles and put lanyards through 'em to wrap around my wrist, I wouldn't lose 'em any more.
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