[woodypecker]

Hello all, just this past winter, located one of my tools after the snow had melted on my lawn. it's one of those small pry bar/nail puller. got most of the rust off using a wire wheel. what type of protectant can I apply to it to prevent it from rusting. Thanks

 

[Windows on Wash]

lightweight oil works.

WD40 works too.



You can soak it in vinegar too.

 

[Drachenfire]

I would first thoroughly clean the tool with mineral spirits or lacquer thinner and then apply 2-3 light coats of Rust-Oleum Professional Spray Paint.

The "business" areas of the bar can be coated with a rust inhibitor like Birchwood Casey’s Dri-touch or Boeing’s BoeShield T-9. These dry to form a waxy surface so they are less likely to attract dust unlike lubricants.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

COPIED: Phosphoric acid effectively removes the rust because it does not actually dissolve it. It bonds with the rust to create iron III oxide and water.
**************************************************************

Apply Phosphoric acid. In about 24 hours wipe it with mineral spirits or a water dampened rag, allow to dry and paint with Rustoleum.


That's what I did with this 1920 garden trowel that was buried in a flower bed for several years but I just never painted it.

 

[woodypecker]

lightweight oil works.

WD40 works too.



You can soak it in vinegar too.

Thanks

 

[Old Thomas]

I glass bead blast then polish with a wire wheel. Then I put it on a rag and saturate it with WD-40. I rub it in and then wipe off the excess. I have never had one flash rust after that.

 

[mark sr]

I've always cleaned them up the best I could, soaked them in burnt motor oil for awhile and then wiped them off before putting them away. They may no longer look new but that generally stops the rust and there is no concern of paint wearing off.

 

[Yodaman]

My best advice for long term rust protection would be not to store it outside on the lawn. :wink2:


Kidding aside, if you can keep your tools in a room with humidity below RH 50 it will go along way toward rust protection. Higher the humidity, the better rust protection you need.

 

[huesmann]

You'll never be able to rustproof the business ends, but as indicated above there are things you can do to protect any other exposed metal parts of tools. You could also use POR-15.

 

[Bondo]

Hello all, just this past winter, located one of my tools after the snow had melted on my lawn. it's one of those small pry bar/nail puller. got most of the rust off using a wire wheel. what type of protectant can I apply to it to prevent it from rusting. Thanks

Ayuh,..... I find that regular use is the best anti-rust plan,.......

 

[cocomonkeynuts]

wiping down steel with dalys shipnshore is effective at preventing rust.

 

[Calson]

WD-40 works better than any other product which is not surprising as it was developed by the US Navy and then commercialized. Rust is the result of oxidation so anything that keeps air from a surface will reduce rust. I use carnuba wax on the bed of my table saw and clear spray lacquer on tools.

What also works very well is spray starch and it can be easily washed off with hot water. I use it for tools that will stored away for long periods of time to prevent rust.

 

[Aaronbridgeford]

Organic coatings such as paint are a cost-effective way to protect against rust. Organic coatings form a barrier against corrosive elements. Oil-based coatings are ideal for preventing the penetration of water and oxygen. Typical organic coatings are 15 to 25 micrometers thick.

 

[Yodaman]

Here is a pretty well done study on lubricants and rust protectors.
http://www.dayattherange.com/?page_id=3667


WD40 Specialist ranks very high, the standard product, not as well as it pertains to actual rust protection