How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

[Mark42]

Every time I have brought tools on the boat for more than a day or two they end up rusty. This is probably worse for us salt water boaters. The tools get placed in zip lock bags, but still end up getting rust. I just don't get it.

Thinking of using a big Tupperware style container and coat the tools with oil and keep an oil rag in the bottom.

How do you keep tools rust free?

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

I use a "waterproof" tool box. You can pick one up at Harbor Freight or K Mart for less than $20. My tools have been on the boat since spring and look just as good as the day I put them on the boat.

 

[45Auto]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

I've spray mine down with "Boeshield" every year. Socket set is 9 years old and still looks new.

http://www.boeshield.com/

 

[jonesg]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

store them in a bucket of oil,?

heh... same problem here, I think the oily rag is a good idea to try.
And stainless tools if poss.
Walmart sells cheapo tools sets in a plastic case.

 

[marine4003]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

I've spray mine down with "Boeshield" every year. Socket set is 9 years old and still looks new.

http://www.boeshield.com/

Second that..Boeshield was developed for aircraft, stuffs anti-rust magic.
OR...coat them with vaseline.....

 

[dingbat]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

I bought a "boaters" tool kit on close out at Walmart 4-5 years ago for $19.95.

Very similar to this one.

Has an good o-ring seal on the box. Spray it down with WD once a year for good luck. Mine is 4-5 years old and not so much as a hint of rust on anything.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Thinking of using a big Tupperware style container and coat the tools with oil and keep an oil rag in the bottom.

That's the ticket. I buy mine at Wallyworld, because they are inexpensive. They sell a line of Tupperware style containers that provide a very good seal and keep the water out quite well. I also wipe my tools down periodiclly with a rag that has a light application of oil.

 

[dorsett59]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Don't put them away wet! That's the biggie! If you put a wet wrench into a waterproof toolbox, it's going to rust.
Squirting your tools with WD-40, or any penetrating oil when you are done will displace the water and put a protective coating on the tools.

 

[Thad]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Why would you have tools on your boat



I keep mine in a plastic tote. That's the way to go. I had a set in a molded case, they rusted in no time flat.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Spray them with a good coat of poly varnish. That way you can still see the stampings on them . Little chips are going to rust, but I hope their not your shop tools , so a little rust is no biggie.

BTW that Boeshield stuff is the best by far. Use it for guns/ wrenches, etc and it is great.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

I use a military ammo box. They are cheap, water tight and I also throw in those silica packs that often can be found when unpacking a shipping box.

 

[mpod]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Ditto: Best product available for this problem.

Another Boeshield fan. I use it on my table saw, joiner, hand planes, etc a couple of times a year. My shop is in a humid basement and I never have a rust problem. I buy mine at woodcraft.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Ditto Silvertip on ammo boxes and silica packs.
Also buy good quality tools.
WD40 attracts salt. try silicon spray or Rem-oil. Actually an oil like 3-in-1 will work but it also picks up sand.
I'm in high salt conditions. I'd avoid the tupperware unless you want to wipe down everything frequently. The new plastic ammo/tool boxes are great, but I have the same tools in the same metal ammo can that was my dad's, on the boat in the 70's, still rattling around in the boat (his boat) almost 40 years later. I have rust on the outside of the can but inside, high and dry. When I open it and smell that oily tool smell, I remember him.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

I use silica packs, at the end of the season I take the toolbox out of the boat and throw the silica packs in the oven at 300F for an hour. Throw them back into the case and they are good for winter in the shed.

Repeat in spring.

 

[dingbat]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

WD40 attracts salt. try silicon spray or Rem-oil.

You're the first and only person I've ever heard stating that WD attracts salt. Where did you get your info? I Goggled it and didn't come up with anything.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

I've been using one of those orange ammo boxes from Walmart for years, that along with some oily rags and the occasional spraying with WD40 and they hold up fine.
Things like ratcheting screwdrivers though seem to hold moisture after use. Never put a wet too back in the box.

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Not to expect anyone to run out and buy a new set of tools but I bought a set of the black Husky tools at the HD a few years back. Pretty good set of tools and they don't rust. I found the 1/2" wrench I lost in the back of my truck after it sat there all winter and it still looked new. I still keep them in a Rubbermaid container.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: How do you keep tools from rusting on the boat

Toss a few mothballs in the tool box to keep the tools from rusting. Seriously.

If you don't like that idea, save the silica gel packets that come in every box with electronic devices and put them in the toolbox to absorb moisture. Recharge them every few weeks by baking them in a warm (170-degree) oven for one hour.

Those packets are also great to prevent mold inside the boat over the winter. Use one per foot of boat length, spaced evenly around the boat's interior, hanging in free air. Recharge them before you winterize.