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How to stop tools from rusting

komatsukid

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2007
Messages
230
Location
michigan
Occupation
loader operator/plant forman
Hi all, I'm a feild mechanic based in northern Michigan. How do you mobile guys stop your tools from rusting especially tools like impact sockets and industrial finish tools? Thanks
 

Mike L

Senior Member
Joined
Dec 1, 2010
Messages
1,897
Location
Texas
Occupation
Self employed field mechanic
I pretty much just accept it. Had a truck with a heated body once and it was great because you’d never pick up a cold wrench but once you shut the truck off condensation would turn everything that wasn’t chrome to rust.
 

Vetech63

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 10, 2016
Messages
6,362
Location
Oklahoma
It’s difficult to stop in high humidity areas. I try to wipe my stuff down as often as time allows.
 

Hobbytime

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2016
Messages
709
Location
usa
just get a spray bottle and fill with clean #2 oil and every once in a while spray them down, you can wipe them off or just let the oil sit on them...whats good about that is all your channel locks or adjustable stuff will move freely..and its cheap to use #2
 

John C.

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
12,865
Location
Northwest
Occupation
Machinery & Equipment Appraiser
I used to leave the hydraulic oil on them. I picked everything up with a rag in my hand. Now days I just don't care as much.
 

oceanobob

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
751
Location
oceano california
Occupation
general contractor
The LPS product number 3 is about $20 per can. Shake it and do that again. A thin film such as one would accomplish with WD40 will look similar but once the LPS3 dries will leave a thin kind of waxy film. No rusting. Cleans off easily and readily with some WD40.

Excellent to spray on chrome hydraulic rams that may have nicks which lead to rusted areas that eat seals. Prior to starting the tractor, wipe with a rag. Repeat when tractor parked.
 

MarshallPowerGen

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2017
Messages
442
Location
Northwestern USA
Occupation
Generator Technician & Equipment Mechanic
I used the cheap industrial carpet to line the drawers of my road box. Soaked up enough oil/wd40 over time that it would leave a nice film on impact sockets.

Besides that, just wiping stuff down with a rag and some used oil.
 

walkerv

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2016
Messages
1,125
Location
wingate nc
I only wipe heavy crud and oil of my tools pretty much leave them dirty. But even at that some little used stuff gets rusty sometimes
 

Jonas302

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2015
Messages
1,197
Location
mn
Could try one of the vci drawer liners and compare I like fluid film spray especially for adjustable wrenches and such I am always working on salt trucks so I get plenty of rust no matter what I do
 

mitch504

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2010
Messages
5,776
Location
Andrews SC
Could try one of the vci drawer liners and compare I like fluid film spray especially for adjustable wrenches and such I am always working on salt trucks so I get plenty of rust no matter what I do
I hear ya, fertilizer spreaders, and salt water for me
 

walkerv

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2016
Messages
1,125
Location
wingate nc
I only wipe heavy crud and oil of my tools pretty much leave them dirty. But even at that some little used stuff gets rusty sometimes
Quick edit now that i cant edit i do clean my tools when im working on engine internals , bit thats it i lightly wipe the 15w40 off them and toss back in truck. Only thing i actually clean of are my feeler guages and then spray down with pb blaster found leaving the oil on them sometimes makes them unreadable
 

Road Wrench

New Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2020
Messages
1
Location
Kansas USA
Occupation
Mobile Repair
I use "Fluid Film", and purchase it in the gallon cans. I've watched tons of testing videos comparing it to other anti-corrosives, penetrating oils, motor oil, etc, when subjected to salt spray etc. Store it in a warm place, and use a paint mixer in a drill to thoroughly turn it to runny butterscotch pudding. I take a aerosol can lid, like from brake/carb cleaner and fill it with fluid film. A 1 inch paint brush works great to dip into the cap and brush onto your tools then using the same rag for all wipe the tools down leaving a nice shiny film inside and out. After awhile the rag has enough fluid film to wipe down several tools leaving a film. It NEVER dries or disappears. It's especially critical to do this with kits in plastic molded cases as they will form hideous rust quickly if not protected. I've been doing it this way with fluid film for a few years after having great results protecting trucks from rusting with it.
I also use the Zerust rolls of drawer liner in my toolboxes and it works very well for several years, but eventually loses effectiveness. Sometimes find the rolls at Tractor Supply in the bargain bins.
 
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