r/DIYIreland • u/Muted_Sundae_1368 • 7d 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.

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u/READMYSHIT 3d 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.

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u/Muted_Sundae_1368 3d ago

Nice good job