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delmarrey · 27-11-2008, 13:46

I find that it is tools sitting in an enclosed area without ventilation that get rusty.
WD-40 is my best friend. Also handling tools with wet hands will do the most damage. If it's salt water, you'll have to rinse them ASAP with fresh water and then use the WD-40. Salt will impregnate metals within hours and it takes desalinization to really get rid of it or a continual soaking in oil to keep it under control. e.g. http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/pu...gram/06-02.pdf

The silica gel is a good idea as long as it is not in contact with the metal (inside a plastic cage). And SS tools will rust too with sea water. There has to be enough iron/carbon for heat treat. Surgical tools wear out fast if used on metal (too soft).

27-11-2008, 13:46	#7
delmarrey Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Puget Sound, WA Boat: Choate 40 Posts: 3,928	I find that it is tools sitting in an enclosed area without ventilation that get rusty. WD-40 is my best friend. Also handling tools with wet hands will do the most damage. If it's salt water, you'll have to rinse them ASAP with fresh water and then use the WD-40. Salt will impregnate metals within hours and it takes desalinization to really get rid of it or a continual soaking in oil to keep it under control. e.g. http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/pu...gram/06-02.pdf The silica gel is a good idea as long as it is not in contact with the metal (inside a plastic cage). And SS tools will rust too with sea water. There has to be enough iron/carbon for heat treat. Surgical tools wear out fast if used on metal (too soft). __________________ Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend, but the Kisses of the Enemy are Deceitful!