how do you prevent rust from damaging your precious hand tools in your workshop? Would love to hear your tips! 🪚 #woodworking #diy #handtools
Replies
I find the best rust preventative is regular use.
apr 22, 2025, 11:38 am • 1 0 • view
My shop is quite humid. Used to paste wax surfaces every two weeks. Dehumidifier fixed all that.
apr 17, 2025, 10:13 am • 1 0 • view
Dehumidifier is a great shout if you have a permanent power source!
apr 18, 2025, 5:12 am • 0 0 • view
A silicon treated rag works, but that’s probably overkill on well-used tools, probably more for long term storage.
apr 17, 2025, 4:10 am • 1 0 • view
I heard for long term storage it's best to separate the chip breaker and iron as pitting can occur where they touch above the cutting edge.
apr 18, 2025, 5:11 am • 1 0 • view
I wipe mine down with a lightly soaked jojoba oil rag (many other oils work too) after using them. If I ever do get some surface rust I keep some 3M maroon scotchbrite pads around to quickly scrub it off with.
apr 16, 2025, 12:44 pm • 5 0 • view
I've not heard of jojoba oil! I'll have a look into it. Scotchbrite is a great idea I'll have to get some!
apr 18, 2025, 5:07 am • 0 0 • view
I use a thin coat of motor oil. Mineral works, too, or even WD-40. Kitchen oil in a pinch (olive, avocado, flax, etc) but that runs a risk of going rancid. I assume almost any barrier should work though.
apr 17, 2025, 4:08 am • 1 0 • view
Avocado 🤢 I'd rather have the rust haha! Great tips otherwise 🪚
apr 18, 2025, 5:10 am • 0 0 • view
Avoid storing them in places with big temperature change that can cause condensation. Coat with buffed on paste wax. If stored in drawers, throw in desiccant packets.
apr 16, 2025, 11:22 am • 3 0 • view
Top tip with the dessicant!
apr 16, 2025, 5:58 pm • 1 0 • view
As an avid enjoyer of seaweed snacks I have a lot of those little packets but they come in so many packages and are useful for anything we want to be dry. That being said most very active shops should be super dry anything from dust and extractor activity.
apr 16, 2025, 9:14 pm • 1 0 • view
Use jatoba oil. You can cover them with wax, as well.
apr 16, 2025, 11:32 pm • 1 0 • view
Machine wax, frequent use, a little bit of oil, and scotchbrite.
apr 16, 2025, 12:49 pm • 2 0 • view