How to Prevent Your Tools from Rusting

When you are a homeowner, you have to be prepared for a number of problems and issues that arise on a daily basis – both indoors and outdoors, from the basement to the attic. This means that you should have a set of reliable tools that will come in handy when you need to fix faulty furniture or a leaky tap, for example. However, owning these tools also includes taking good care of them, storing them in the right way and providing a toolbox big enough. When it comes to rust prevention, there are several techniques, so here are a couple of things you should know.

Keep Your Toolbox Dry
In order to keep the tools rust-free, there is a safe and effective way of storing them – a dry toolbox will minimize moisture, but you must make sure it is protected and durable. The easiest way of improving dryness inside of it is some anti-slip mesh that should cover the bottom. By avoiding direct tools-toolbox contact, mesh will keep moisture under it and thus prevent it from applying to the tools.

Another good tactic is the use of small silica balls – you get them with your new footwear and they have multiple uses around the house , including moisture absorption in metal toolboxes. Or, ultimately, you can get a wooden toolbox and completely minimize the chance of rust.



Cleaning Methods and Products
Once you have made sure that your tools cannot get moist and rusted when being in a toolbox, it is time to think about their maintenance and treatment. The best thing to do is to clean them with motor oil and apply rust prevention products . Since the rust attacks when there is moisture involved, it is essential to keep your tools completely dry and covered in a layer of protection.

The cleaning process includes some free time and an old rag and is more than simple – dip it into the oil and wipe the tools over a couple of times, and that is basically it. A thin layer of oil will stick to them, and you just have to clean the rest. With rust prevention products, apply the same method, whether they are liquid or in a spray, but be sure to clean the excess because you do not want your tools to become adhesive and stuck to the toolbox.



When Worst Comes to Worst
If, however, your tools do become rusty – almost all essential homeowner’s tools have iron parts and sometimes all the protection and prevention you apply is just not enough – you have to know how to treat them properly. Additionally, you should also clean your toolbox, especially if it is old.

There are basically two ways you can remove rust – by using store-bought chemical removers or a more green option that saves your hands as well as the planet. Those are vinegar, lemon/lime juice and baking soda, i.e. something you can already find in your kitchen or purchase at your local store for a small amount of money. Soak the tools in vinegar or lemon/lime juice, leave them overnight, and then rub them with aluminum foil. If you opt for baking soda, turn it into a paste by adding water and brush the tools with a toothbrush. Be sure to throw away all the products you used after you have finished.

One of the greatest perks of having a tool set is that it can be passed from one generation to the next as a part of a family heritage. Yet, this can only be achieved if it’s kept rust-free and cleaned regularly.


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