Rust protection for tools on board

[Dave Williams]

How do you guys deal with rust issues and your tools while cruising? I seem to remember a thread about this some time back but can't seem to come up with it. Any tips or help with the search would be appreciated.

Thanks and to kindness,
Dave

[Jay Greer]

I use two, well proven, old old methods for protecting steel tools at sea. One is Camellia oil, a Japanese method of protecting fine tool steel such as Samurai Swords, chisles, planes, saws, knives and other raw steel items, that are used often, from rust. The oil from the seeds of the black camellia bush have been used for this purpose for several thousand years. The second is reserved for tools that are used only occasionaly. In this case, a coating of blond shellac is all that is needed.
Jay

[S B]

WD40 the U S military designed it for this purpose, and they are never wrong, sort of. Oil ,of any sort, will do. Just keep an eye on em, apply as necessary.

[Gold Rock]

I've used lanolin with good effect. My primary line of defense, however, is to store all vulnerable tools in airtight containers with substantial dessicant packets liberally dispensed. I've lived aboard for years and rust has never been a problem.

[lynnl]

Hi, first time poster here.

One product I've found that works really well is LPS 3 Heavy Duty Rust Inhibitor. Comes in a spray can that lays down an oily, waxy coating that really lasts.

I haven't personally used it in a salt water environment, but the applications list includes "offshore drilling rigs", so I'd guess it would work well for that too.

I know it takes some effort to clean it off.

Lynn

[paladin]

I have a limited set of bronze tools. At one time you could get them through some of the larger supply houses almost as cheaply as any commercial tool.

[Bob Smalser]

.... I seem to remember a thread about this some time back but can't seem to come up with it.


Rustproofing Tools (http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=19372)

[Kaa]

Advertising, of course, but an interesting test of rust inhibitors here -- http://www.tc-11.com/competition.htm

Kaa

[3sheets]

Stainless steel mechanical tools are nice. I don't cruise much, but when I take tools out, I spray them with camilla oil before, and after use. This probably wouldn't be sufficient for long-term storage of seldom used tools. At any rate, I imagine that keeping oil on them would be a better bet than any of the rust-blocker products that you throw in your toolbox.

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

I have a limited set of bronze tools. At one time you could get them through some of the larger supply houses almost as cheaply as any commercial tool.

Made for use on deck aboard tankers in the days before inert gas systems came in (roughly pre-1980). Of course, everyone nicked them! :D

[Canoeyawl]

Engine lube oil has emulsifiers added for water. Water vapor is absorbed into the oil and evaporates as the engine comes up to operating temperature.
This detail protects your engine but makes a poor choice for rust proofing, as it will collect moisture out of the atmosphere.

Tools left on board wrapped in an engine oil soaked rag is a sure recipe for a rusty mess.

[Plover]

I've always kept mine in a sealed ammo boxes. I simply clean them with a clean rag and wipe them with a silicone rag from wal-mart and I have fairly good results. I do have an anti desicant pouch or 2 in with them.
Paul

[Scott Rosen]

I bring my tools home with me after every sail or cruise. they're not on the boat long enough to have a rust problem. It's a little inconvenient schlepping two tool boxes back and forth, but why buy a second set of tools for the boat?