Who says your tools have to get rusty over time? There are steps you can take to keep your tools looking new for years to come, and it just takes a little bit of care to accomplish it. A small amount of regular maintenance goes a long way with regard to keeping your tools looking great.
With this in mind, here are some tips to help you prevent your tools from rusting in Monroe, LA:
- Keep tools in a dry location: Moisture is one of the key contributors to rust development, so if you can protect your tools from moisture, then you’ll successfully prevent them from rusting. This means keeping them inside a toolbox rather than just sitting on top of a workbench or (heaven forbid) on the floor. Inside a tool box or chest, you should have an anti-slip mesh liner at the bottom that prevents the tools from touching the metal, where they might otherwise be exposed to moisture. You might also consider putting silica packets in each drawer, which will add some extra protection to your tools in those locations.
- Use oil: You can treat your tools with oil to help them avoid rusting. Motor oil is an effective treatment here—you could actually recycle the oil from your last oil change, or you can just use oil straight from the bottle. Use an old rag and dip it into the oil, wipe a thin layer all over the metal parts of the tools, then use a clean rag to wipe off the excess oil. You can also use WD-40 instead of motor oil—no tool shop should be without a can or two of WD-40!
Of course, preventing rust from occurring is not always entirely possible. Sometimes you’ll need to remove rust from tools that have already been exposed. You can purchase some special rust-removing products at various stores or online, but if you’re interested in avoiding harsh chemicals and want to try something more natural, there are a few methods that may work. These include:
- Citrus juice: Use lemon or lime juice mixed with table salt. The natural acids in the citrus will eat away at the rust, and the salt makes the solution extra abrasive. Use a bit of elbow grease and you’ll begin to brush away the rust on your tools.
- Vinegar: Let your tools soak in vinegar for at least a few hours, then rub the tool with aluminum foil (not sandpaper, which could cause some significant damage). Vinegar is also acidic, which means it will eat away at the rust on your tools.
- Baking soda: Make a baking soda/water mixture to form a sort of paste, then use an old toothbrush to brush the mixture on to the tool until the rust begins to come off. It’s a surprisingly effective tactic for rust removal!
For more information about preventing rust and removing rust from tools in Monroe, LA when it does occur, please reach out to the experts at Ram Rent-All, Inc. today.