Rust-proofing boat tools

pugwash

pugwash

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Story in a Canadian magazine says that putting two or three charcoal briquettes (inside a cloth bag to retain dust) in your toolbox prevents the tools from going rusty. They last a year. Change for fresh ones in spring and put the old ones on the BBQ.

Sounds good. Anybody tried it? Does it work? And if so, how?
 
Sounds like a similar idea to silicon crystals? Charcoal absorbs moister, so tools don't go rusty?
 
So..we're assuming that we've got an airtight, vapour tight, toolbox, then?

Personally, I'd rather keep the boat ventilated! My tools, including a handsaw and a couple of chisels, sit in a box that slides under the berth in the forecabin; they are there right now, the boat is on her mooring, and as of last Sunday they were not rusty.
 
Strewth! who rattled your cage? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Sorry, was not meaning to upset anyone!
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Just that I don't reckon it's easy to keep a tool box airtight!
 
At the risk of rattling cages, can I be so bold as to throw in a couple of facts?

1. Charcoal doesn't absorb water. Activated charcoal can adsorb (not absorb - it's a surface effect) impurities and it's used in filters for purifying water. This is activated charcoal, not just barbie stuff.

2. Silica Gel (not silicon) is used for absorbing water but, as was pointed out, needs to be in a sealed container and at best can absorb 30% of its weight in water. You'd need a lot to keep a toolbox dry for a year!
 
It's ok, I aint upset /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I just don't see what airtight has to do with it? the object of the Charcoal thingies, is to extract any moisture that may be in the air that finds it's way into the tool box.........I think?

By the way, did you get that email I sent you vis-a-vis props? I asked you to phone me because it was easier than trying to explain the state of play in emails. I sent it to your AOL address?
 
Cage not rattled and ta for info /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Not my fault my spellin' is crap, I is just thick, and I was only having a guess as to how it might work.
 
Mine sit in the bilges & get a spray of oil from time to time.

Sure they are rusty, but they were rusty when I put 'em in there. It's a patina, that gives 'em style & credibility rather than affecting their usefulness. I just make sure they are all working & sharp/ straight etc as required.
 
Aye, there aint nowt quite as good as a sharp spanner is there! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Sorry Steve.................I'm just goin'.
 
Apparently the old shipwrights would keep their tools in a box with oak chippings.

As far as I know the science is that the chippings contain tanin and this will reduce rusting.

I think that the synthesised version of this is Fertan. I've used this and found it a very effective splash it on rust preventer.

Regards Nick
 
Aren't you supposed to be back in Lapland making all the toys for the good little children next Christmas? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
better to place a camphor block in the toolbox. As it sublimates it puts a layer over the tools which helps to stop the rust. (keeps the moths away as well)
 
There's a paper product called BANRUST, which has a similar effect. Made in England !!! They are corrosion control specialists.

Banrust & Co
PO Box 5,
Ross-on-Wye,
Herefordshire
HR97YS

Phone: 01989 564419

No connections..
 
Are Moths a problem on old catamavans then? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I is feelin' a bit playful tonight, summat went right today for a change! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
de-salt and de-grease, dry wipe off surface rust when drying, pinch some of SHMBO hair spray and give good doseing sneak tin back from wence it came and say nothing, /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I reckon that tools need to be divided into those used often from those used seldom and for emergency. The latter can be stored in airtight box with lots of grease on them. The former can be the cheap variety of screw drivers and pliers that can do the job even if rusty and can afford to be lost overboard. I especially like my old slip joint pliers that are so loose that rust won't stop em I keep them under a piece of elastic attached to the inside of the lid of the cockpit locker along with screwdrivers philips and straight and a knife. I can get em out quick with one hand still on the tiller.
They get a clean up every winter. olewill
 
I mentioned on Smiffy's thread re galvanising his keel that I have used spray cans of cold zinc galvanising on spanners, mole wrenches et al (after cleaning and degreasing them well of course), and this cold galvanising seems to hold up quite well.
 
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