Preservation of tools oil or wax???

[Hm Wrench]

Wondering what you guys do for long term storage of tools, I am trying to decide on a light coat of oil or a standard paste wax.  These are going to be in long term storage and not used only to prevent corrosion. Types include chrome plate, standard steel and cadmium plate.  With the wax it won't be polish just a wipe on and wipe off.

Thanks,
Kirk

[Branson]

Wondering what you guys do for long term storage of tools, I am trying to decide on a light coat of oil or a standard paste wax.  These are going to be in long term storage and not used only to prevent corrosion.
Thanks,
Kirk

Museum use calls for microcrystaline wax.  It's expensive but necessary for preservation.  I have come to use standard past wax.

[Wrenchmensch]

I agree with Branson. I use Johnson's Paste Wax, as a last step in the cleaning and preserving process. This will preserve iron and steel objects fairly well.  The only exception I have found are highly polished steel surfaces from the 1860s which tend to tarnish,  e.g. turn dark. Occasional brass wheel brushing shines them up again.

The other important thing is to control the humidity level.  We live in a woodland with high levels of humidity 5 - 6 months of the year and tools are displayed in a cool basement, a recipe for disaster as far as iron and steel tools are concerned.  Two de-humidifiers run all the time.

[Hm Wrench]

Thank you for the help, in Oregon we have a lot of moisture i will look into a dehumidifier.


Thanks,
Kirk

[J.A.F.E.]

Try University Products for the micro-crystalline wax if you are looking for some. http://www.universityproducts.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=750 There is a link at the bottom of the page for decorroder which works pretty well but is pricey.

[amertrac]

whatever you decide to use please do remember to store them in wood boxes. i like old wooden foot lockers . The wood absorbs the humidity from the outside. i have foot lockers that have been closed for years and when i opened them it was dry inside and no sign of rust JMHO  bob w.

[Branson]

whatever you decide to use please do remember to store them in wood boxes. i like old wooden foot lockers . The wood absorbs the humidity from the outside. i have foot lockers that have been closed for years and when i opened them it was dry inside and no sign of rust JMHO  bob w.

As long as there is some ventilation space between the chest and the floor.  I just opened a wooden box full of tools and found it full of rust!   There were no cleats on the bottom, and the wood had siphoned up moisture with really bad results.  Heavy rust on a whole bunch of Jennings twist bits that were on the bottom of the chest.  Grrrr!

[amertrac]

I am sorry bout that , i keep the chests on rollers three high/ never thought about putting them on the floor/ this way they can be moved if necessary  bob w.

[Wrenchmensch]

I store my perishable, up-for-melting-down iron and steel tools in large green Rubbermaid roughneck 20" x 12" x 8" tubs with lids. One tub stores on top of another. Three stack tops tends to collapse the walls on the bottom tub. The tubs are waterproof, and in the de-humidified basement, tools do not rust.

[bonneyman]

The military used cosmoline for years, and I had a heck of a time getting that stuff off of surplus I'd purchased. Don't know where to get it now, though.
I use a water pump grease to coat all my garden tools, rip saws, and for general tool waterproofing. I'd expect a marine-duty grease would work as well. Try Sta-Lube, the light blue stuff.

[J.A.F.E.]

The military used cosmoline for years, and I had a heck of a time getting that stuff off of surplus I'd purchased. Don't know where to get it now, though. ...

Shafco sells some but from not the original manufacturer. http://www.schafco.com/cosmoline.asp

[Hm Wrench]

Thank you for the the rest of the suggestions, JAFE those links are amazing.

Thanks,
Kirk

[clovis]

Excellent thread!!!! This is one that I've enjoyed reading!!!!

[jimwrench]

 I use Minwax paste wax and buff with electric shoe polisher. Have good sucess with tools in basement with dehumidifier in non heatin g months. Have stored tools in old carpenter chests and included a few desiccant bags or capsules salvaged from commercial shipments. Have not had much success with storage in heated shop with no preparation ie user tools that are not often used.