Prevent Rust from Developing on Your Stored Tools

How cold and flu chest rub can help prevent rust from developing on your tools when they're in storage.

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[Kenfitzpat]

keeping rust from your tools is always a concern. A number of years ago, about 15, I heard the same thing and tried it.  To my surprise after a winters storage in an unheated shop I found the camphor caused a film to form on my chisel handles.  Well its 15 years later and I still can't get that film off and those chisels have been relegated to jobs that I didn't care one bit what happened to them.  Other tools in my chest still showed signs of minor rust so I guess it did some good as it could have been much worse.  Im not saying this will happen to everyone but just wanted to chime in to give a  warning that you might have problems with this.

Love these vids and get a lot of info and they are well worth watching.  Thanks

[mikecagle]

Never heard of this before. Will try and see what happens. Thanks!

[lexboegen]

I'll have to give this a try. I've been making dessicant containers from old Altoids tins and filling them with crystal kitty litter (silica gel) after drilling lots of small holes in the lid.

[Proer]

I have a damp basement and rust is a persistent problem for me. Something I found that works well is the old stand-by, Johnson's paste wax. A light coating on the tool seems to keep the rust at bay. Another benefit is that it also lubricates table tops like my bandsaw and tablesaw. The strategy is to wax the tool when it is new, before pitting occurs.

[Mekchanoid]

Isn't it just camphor in the vapo rub? And might there not be a cheaper source?

[darthschumy]

My tools will never rust again, but I'll always be sick as a dog, because I'll forget where I left my vapor rub!

[williamreynolds]

Small packets of desiccant work well, but can get pricey over time. If bought in granular form, you can see it change color, as it absorbs moisture. When the color changes (blue to pink for the blue silicate granuals) you know it's time to replace the dessicant.

[billfromelma]

I don't know about the vapo rub, but that tool chest is awesome!

[lightningsmokerXx]

Would a dry lube work well to keep the tools in your cars emergency kit in your trunk rust free?
such a liquid wrench dry lube or WD-40 SPECIALIST DRY LUBE with PTFE

[woodywood]

ir works well if your shop is not hummid!!!
spray camelia oil on your tools. that's the best way. Or something close to camelia.
And add silicagel in paper bag or fabric bag in your tool chest.

[ocoro]

yo I don't have a fancy tool chest like that

[chipsramek]

What happens to the "displaced moisture"...did you really mean to say "evaporates"...it's gotta go somewhere....NOT IMPRESSED

[WaschyNumber]

Camphor, This stuff is highly toxic and deadly if eaten. ⚠️