How do I stop my tools going rusty?

Reptile Smile

Reptile Smile

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Am tired of opening my toolbox to find everything orange. I'd spray everything with WD40 except I'm not not sure it's that effective, and I like using a tool bag rather than a box, so don't was it to be full of oil.

Would keeping things in carrier bags with silica gel sachets help perhaps (in the toolbox)..?
 
Simples....buy yourself a set of stainless steel tools, pliers, sockets, tommy bars, screw drivers, spanners etc - all available in Stainless Steel.
 
Thanks all.

Dylan, I know what you mean, though I've been blessed with a 100% reliable diesel inboard (now gone) and now have what so far has been a 100% reliable 2 stroke. Nevertheless, I'd rather have and not need than need and not have.
 
Reptile Smile said:
Am tired of opening my toolbox to find everything orange. I'd spray everything with WD40 except I'm not not sure it's that effective, and I like using a tool bag rather than a box, so don't was it to be full of oil.

Would keeping things in carrier bags with silica gel sachets help perhaps (in the toolbox)..?
Click to expand...

I think your mistake is probably using a tool bag rather than a box. Its bound to get the odd splash of seawater on it and will, as a result, be forever damp.

I use a small plastics tool box. Most of the tools have been in there for over 30 years without going rusty.
 
I occasionally dunk my spanners and sockets in Waxoil then wipe them over, seems to be good for the hands as well.
 
WD-40 does work - after all, Water Displacement is what it was designed for. Though I wouldn't dispute Nigel's point that even better things now exist.

On Kindred Spirit my tools lived in a GRP locker built into the companionway steps. I used to give a quick spray of WD-40 every few months, and then at the end of the season I'd empty the locker and wipe up the dribble of excess oil that would accumulate in one corner. I never had any trouble with rust.

Pete
 
As VicS really.

I have four smallish plastic tool boxes: Tools, Electrical, Engine and Boat bits. The tool box gets a spray of Poundland can oil now and again. I have had issues with cloth unless it is very well treated with oil.
 
wspray tools with oil
- kept in an oily tool roll
- kept in a tool bag
- that is kept in a roll top water proof bag

No rust issues, bar tools that have come into contact with seawater whilst in use and being cheap rusted in seconds!
 
As an example case I had a pair of long nose pliers that I used to bend a split pin on an in water prop change and accidentally got them submerged in the water for a nano second.. About a week later they would barely move.. I sprayed Plus Gas on them about 6 times over a weekend and left them soaked.. They moved but very stiff taking two hands to open and felt like they would just seize up again.. I had just bought a can of ACF-50 to coat the engine with so decided to give it a try on the pliers.. Soaked them in it and left them on the side.. Tried them a couple of days later and to my surprise they were working fine.. Maybe not 100% as free as before but probably 90% of the way there to the point they could be used with one hand easily.. So I can definitely confirm that there is some magic in ACF-50..
 
Ready use tools I keep in an old Royal Cannin dog food resealable bag, dry for tools like pliers, anything with handles, the other bag has spanners especially ****fers and a spoon full of clean engine oil. also spare injectors filled with larger amount of diesel oil. Keep a rag bag handy (Sealed) for quick wipe off before use and again before stowing, Sticky label of contents on the bag as well.
 
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