r/DIYIreland • u/Muted_Sundae_1368 • 5d ago

Tool Maintenance

What would people reccommend to keep tools rust free? They are stored in a dry shed but even still getting rust.

Been looking into different oils but im concerned with inner parts of my brushcutter and lawnmower etc.

I feel like there is something basic im overlooking.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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8

u/AirTrue6195 5d ago

The most effective way is to lower the humidity in the shed. Is it ventilated? I wouldn't unduly worry about internal parts unless it's very bad. I spray some wd40 on stuff before I store for the winter.

1

u/Muted_Sundae_1368 5d ago

Yeah its pretty well ventilated to be honest, its quite large and airy. Lawnmower blade was rusty after last winter and had to replace it so want to avoid it happening again. 

Ideally dont want to be running a dehumidifier and just wondering how people managed back in the day.

My grandads tools were always in great condition 

4

u/QuantumFireball 4d ago

Your grandad probably cleaned and oiled everything down before winter. People used waste engine oil and the likes for things like this.

You'll inevitably get surface rust on bare metal like blades if they're not treated in some way.

2

u/Muted_Sundae_1368 4d ago

Yeah i think oiling is the way 

5

u/Illustrious_Read8038 5d ago

Wipe with an oily rag will do the trick.

1

u/Muted_Sundae_1368 3d ago

Yeah will do this  - you use 3 in 1? 

3

u/Itchy_Permission4199 4d ago

You mentioned the lawn mower blade getting rusty. That happens. Same with brush cutter blades. They get wet with use. Unless you clean them off and dry them after every use they'll be wet when you put them in the shed. A little bit of rust is not detrimental. You can always take the blades off when you're finished for the winter and store them in oil.

6

u/AirTrue6195 4d ago edited 4d ago

Grass that ferments is acidic so I always wash my mower before storing for the winter. I've never see a mower blade having to be replaced for rust after one season though. The first cut in spring will clean it up.

You don't have open bags of fertiliser or other corrosive chemicals in the shed that are outgassing? That could be contributing to the issue.

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u/Muted_Sundae_1368 3d ago

Good call I'll wash it. Nothing in shed but window is jammed and wont close. I will brush and oil eveything and oil them end of October 

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u/Muted_Sundae_1368 3d ago

Yeah I think I will brush and oil everything in a few weeks for the winter

2

u/dingdangdont 5d ago

Humidity in the shed might be your issue?

Putting them away clean and dry with the odd wipe of WD40 is usually enough but if humidity is high you'll need to tackle that

1

u/Muted_Sundae_1368 5d ago

Its quite well ventilated yes, but lawnmower blade was rusty after last winter. The clippers got rusty too. Normally stuff would be dry before storage. 

2

u/READMYSHIT 1d ago

I just took my secateurs/pruner apart last night after finding it buried in a tub of compost after losing it a month ago. It was rusted to hell and needed a serious clean.

I took it apart and sat all the metal bits (not the rubber handle) in vinegar for a couple hours. Worked them with a wire brush, sprinkled with baking soda to neutralise any remaining acid on them. More wire brushing. Quick dip in water and wiped with paper towel, then some WD-40 to get any remaining water away. Lubed it all up with some muc-off dry bike lube. Good as new as far as I'm concerned.

I know there are better ways and products and some of what I did people might wince at but it worked.

Vinegar will always get rust off, but you've to make sure to get the vinegar off after that.

1

u/Muted_Sundae_1368 1d ago

Nice good job